With great admiration and deep respect, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji on the remarkable milestone of his first-year anniversary as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Over the past year, your leadership and vision have positioned the FIRS as a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape, setting a new benchmark for revenue collection and fiscal responsibility.
Dr. Adedeji, I am reminded of a conversation last year when I expressed my hopes for your role as the nation’s chief revenue collector. I encouraged you to take inspiration from the biblical Joseph, who saved Egypt from famine through his wisdom and foresight. Just as Joseph left an indelible mark on Egypt’s prosperity, I encouraged you to aim to leave a legacy of monumental significance for Nigeria. Today, as we reflect on your achievements, it is clear that you have embraced this challenge and surpassed expectations in every sense.
In these challenging times for Nigeria, where economic and financial obstacles loom large, your unwavering commitment and formidable economic and administrative acumen are shining lights of hope. You have demonstrated that, through innovative solutions and diligent leadership, Nigeria can indeed chart a path towards economic recovery. Your efforts complement President Bola Tinubu’s drive to lead Nigeria out of the economic woods, and your work at FIRS plays a key role in realizing that goal.
Notable Achievements Over the Past Year
1. Surpassing Revenue Targets: In an outstanding display of leadership, within just four months of assuming office, you led the FIRS to surpass its 2023 revenue target, netting close to ₦13 trillion. This remarkable feat not only restored faith in Nigeria’s revenue collection capabilities but also demonstrated your ability to drive success through strategic planning and efficiency.
2. Management Restructuring: Your foresight in restructuring the FIRS management team has proven invaluable in streamlining operations. By aligning the organization’s leadership with your vision of excellence, you have empowered a more efficient, results-oriented team, ensuring that the FIRS operates as a cohesive and high-performing institution.
3. Digital Innovation with TaxPro Max: Your commitment to innovation is evident in the creation of the one-stop platform for tax collection through the TaxPro Max app. This groundbreaking initiative allows taxpayers to conveniently manage their obligations from anywhere in the country, eliminating the need for frequent trips to Abuja. This platform enhances efficiency and symbolizes your dedication to making tax compliance easier and more accessible to Nigerians.
4. Enhancing Staff Welfare: You have also made significant strides in prioritizing the welfare of FIRS staff. By ensuring salary increments and providing a supportive work environment, you have motivated the workforce, ensuring that they are not only committed to their roles but also deeply invested in the success of the institution.
5. Strengthening Relationships with Taxpayers and Stakeholders: Your leadership has fostered a more cordial and transparent relationship between the FIRS and taxpayers and relevant stakeholders. By building trust and promoting open communication, you have strengthened partnerships that are vital to the success of Nigeria’s revenue collection efforts.
A Legacy in the Making
Dr. Adedeji, your leadership of the FIRS is already shaping up to be a legacy of great significance. Your achievements over the past year are a testament to your vision, determination, and skill in navigating complex challenges. Like the biblical Joseph, you have positioned Nigeria on a path to financial stability, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. Your dedication to service and innovation has raised the bar for revenue collection and set an example for others to follow.
As you embark on your second year in office, I am confident you will continue to build on these successes, leveraging your expertise further to advance Nigeria’s economic growth and fiscal sustainability. The nation is looking to you, and your work, coupled with the administration’s broader reforms, promises a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Congratulations once again on this remarkable anniversary. Your tenure thus far has inspired many, and we look forward to seeing even more outstanding achievements in the years to come.
Dr. Oludare Ogunlana
