The newly appointed Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, has resumed office today at the FIRS headquarters after a brief handover ceremony from the immediate past Chairman of the FIRS, Mohammad Nami.
Mr. Zacch Adedeji, who until his appointment was the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, upon assuming office as FIRS Boss stated that his target is to help Nigeria surpass Africa’s average tax-to-GDP ratio of 16.5 per cent and achieve a minimum of 18 per cent within three years from the current 10.86 per cent.
Mr. Zacch Adedeji said that Nigeria is having a pressing revenue crisis where 96% of government revenue goes into debt servicing and sought to convey the urgency of the task ahead to the staff of FIRS.
“Presently, we confront a pressing revenue crisis, with a staggering 96% of government revenue being funneled into servicing our debts. This stark reality necessitates swift and resolute action on our part. We cannot afford to delay; we must act decisively to reverse this concerning trend”, he said.
Mr. Zacch Adedeji also pledged to work closely with the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee set up by President Bola Tinubu and headed by Taiwo Oyedele and to place innovation and fresh ideas at the forefront of the agency’s operation with the ultimate aim of enhancing efficiency of revenue collection, cut revenue leakages and engender more accountability.
“In our pursuit of a brighter fiscal future, we are determined to align ourselves with President Bola Tinubu’s esteemed Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. This collaboration will enable us to shape a prosperous fiscal landscape that empowers our nation’s growth and development.
“As we chart our course ahead, FIRS is committed to placing innovation, technology, and fresh ideas at the forefront of our operations. This strategic focus will empower us to enhance efficiency, fortify against revenue leaks, and bolster coordination and accountability within our organization”, the FIRS boss added.
He also promised to go after tax defaulters in his resolve to aggressively drive compliance.
“For those who deviate from their tax obligations, be rest assured, we will enforce our responsibilities judiciously,” he stated, adding that his administration will implement a robust enforcement model that effectively deal with tax evaders while maintaining fairness and transparency in the processes of the Service.
He committed to simplifying Nigeria’s tax system, making it accessible and comprehensible, with a focus on facilitating voluntary tax payments and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
Mr. Zacch Adedeji also noted that quality data will be the cornerstone of the FIRS’ operations under his watch, which will enable it to measure progress, make informed decisions, and maintain the highest standards of accountability.
He pledged to maintain an open-door policy and actively engage with stakeholders to collaboratively construct a tax administration that the nation can be proud of. He expressed his appreciation to his predecessor, Mohammad Nami and the staff of the FIRS for the giant strides they have made in the past couple of years, which has provided him with a springboard upon which to succeed.
Mr. Zacch Adedeji is an astute accountant, a corporate tax and public finance development expert with more than 15 years of experience. He was the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State between 2011 and 2015 under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.