The Northern Renaissance Network (NRN) has lauded Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), for his innovative leadership in modernizing the agency.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, NRN spokesman Agada Abuh Theophilus highlighted Adedeji’s role in turning the FIRS from a bureaucratic entity into a dynamic, technology-driven organization.
“Dr. Adedeji is building a system that will outlive him, prioritizing transparency and innovation,” Theophilus said. “Previously focused solely on revenue targets, the FIRS has now embraced technology, making tax processes seamless and transparent for all stakeholders”
The group commended Adedeji’s initiatives, including the integration of new modules into the TaxProMax system, which has automated over 80% of previously manual processes. This has streamlined revenue collection and simplified obtaining tax clearances for contractors.
The NRN also praised the agency’s shift toward a data-driven, customer-centric model, which has redefined tax administration in Nigeria.
The FIRS’s financial performance was another highlight, with the agency surpassing its 2023 revenue target of N11.55 trillion by collecting N12.36 trillion.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) achieved a historic milestone in 2024, generating a record-breaking N21.6 trillion in revenue, surpassing its target of N19.4 trillion, according to a statement from NRN. The group commended FIRS Chairman, Adedeji for his visionary leadership, crediting the success to professionalism, and a strategic focus on people, technology, and processes. This accomplishment, they noted, marks a new chapter in the agency’s history.
The NRN urged the agency to close loopholes exploited by non-state actors for illegal revenue collection.
Adedeji’s leadership was further recognized for the launch of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), supported by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other anti-corruption bodies, to enhance integrity in tax administration.
The group also applauded the 60% salary increase for FIRS staff, noting it would boost morale and productivity.
However, the NRN called for a merit-based recruitment process in the agency’s ongoing hiring exercise, emphasizing opportunities for qualified Nigerians regardless of social status. “We trust Dr. Adedeji’s commitment to fairness and will closely monitor the process,” Theophilus said.
The group urged the FIRS to ensure timely tax compliance by all and to maintain impartiality in its operations.
