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Tag: Zacch Adedeji

  • Zacch Adedeji defining new goals for FIRS in 2025

    Zacch Adedeji defining new goals for FIRS in 2025

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    I have said it countless times, and I will continue to say it: Dr. Zacch Adedeji is not here to play. From day one as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, we all knew that things were about to change for good. 

    The tax boss came in with a plan, a vision, and the determination to make the tax system work better for Nigerians. 

    The just concluded Strategic Management Retreat, themed Reimagining Tax Administration for Equity and Economic Growth, brought together top management of FIRS as well as powerful voices from government, professional organizations, and the private sector. Everyone came together with one mindset: to understand the new strategy and gain an in-depth knowledge of the organizational structure and what it means for their roles.

    One of the takeaways from the retreat was the revised revenue target of N25.2 trillion. Having closed 2024 with a record-breaking N21.6 trillion, expectations are high. But this is not just about pushing numbers. It is about creating a system that works for the Nigerian economy. The focus is on ensuring that taxation is not a burden but a tool for national development.

    Alongside the new target, the retreat also saw the launch of the Standard Operating Procedures for FIRS field offices. These procedures outline clear policies, guidelines, and practices that everyone in the field will follow. 

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    The aim is to provide straightforward guidance, define each person’s job, close any gaps in policy information, and make sure that procedures are applied consistently. In short, there is no more guesswork at the agency. These changes are designed to solve many of the old problems and bring a much-needed level of clarity and efficiency to the service delivery. 

    Every step taken under this new strategy is aimed at creating a system that works for all of us, ensuring that Nigeria’s progress is visible in our everyday lives. The work has already begun this year, 2025, and there’s no turning back. 

    Here’s the big question: How can Nigerians help support the Tax Boss’ vision? Nigerians can do their part by paying taxes on time and adequately. With simpler tax processes now, engaging with the FIRS through the available channels to ask questions or share feedback can help improve the system and tackle any issues that come up.

    As everyone knows, there were many reforms and accomplishments last year, all thanks to Dr. Zacch’s initiative, his team’s effort, and transformative leadership style. Surpassed the target before, and he will undoubtedly do so again. 

    Real change, not empty promises, is what his leadership is all about. He is breaking barriers, simplifying processes, and making sure that taxes become a tool for advancement. Nigeria is fortunate to have a leader who is ready to make a real difference.

    The ball has been set rolling. The plans are in place, the leadership is focused, and the team is committed. Nigerians can expect a tax system that works for them, not one that causes frustration.

    Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS

  • National single window to drive $1tr economy- FG 

    National single window to drive $1tr economy- FG 

    Stakeholders and experts in the trade sector have hailed the National Single Window (NSW) project as a transformative initiative capable of eliminating bureaucratic delays, boosting trade efficiency, and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth.

    Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, speaking at the National Single Window Forum on Tuesday in Lagos, expressed confidence the initiative would contribute significantly to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2031.

    “The National Single Window project represents a pivotal stride in Nigeria’s journey towards economic transformation,” Adedeji stated. “For too long, trade facilitation processes have been hindered by complex and inefficient procedures, resulting in delays at ports, increased costs of doing business, and a loss of global competitiveness.”

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    Adedeji noted that the NSW would create an integrated platform connecting key stakeholders, including seaports, airports, free trade zones, government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector. This seamless connection, he said, would revolutionize international trade, enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, and reduce revenue losses while attracting foreign investments.

    Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Uzoka-Anite, stressed the potential of the NSW initiative by citing international examples. She noted that Indonesia’s NSW programme, launched in 2007, reduced cargo clearance times from seven days to three, saving traders millions of dollars annually. Similarly, Vietnam’s NSW reforms introduced in 2014 streamlined interactions with over 20 government agencies, boosting compliance and increasing customs revenue.

    Closer to home, she pointed at Rwanda, which implemented its NSW in 2012. The reform reduced border crossing times by 50 percent, enhancing the movement of goods and making Rwanda one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.

     “Such impacts would be significant for Nigeria as we build foreign reserves and strengthen the Naira,” Uzoka-Anite said.

    Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Oduwole, described the NSW as a game-changer for the trade environment. 

    “The single window project will provide a centralised digital platform for traders to submit, process, and access trade-related documents, eliminating corruption through transparency, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing ease of doing business,” she explained.

    Oduwole, who has been involved in the project since 2016, stressed that the time for delivery was now. 

    “Under President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, economic growth and job creation are key priorities. The NSW will play a significant role in achieving these goals,” she said.

  • Tax Reform Bill: Zacch Adedeji, the man of steel

    Tax Reform Bill: Zacch Adedeji, the man of steel

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    There is a popular song I love that says, “He has done it finally, finally, finally…” Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and his team are experiencing the song’s power. 

    On January 16, 2025, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) issued a communique backing the Tax Reform Bills, which is nothing short of huge.

    This, however, did not occur overnight. It results from months of strategic conversations, debates, and commitment to changing Nigeria’s fiscal policies into a tool for national development.

    The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting was more than simply a document; it was a declaration of intent, a clear vision for a modern, equitable tax system that aligns with Nigeria’s current reality. 

    The governors and the reform committee acknowledged that Nigeria’s existing tax rules could no longer meet the country’s needs. 

    We have all witnessed the difficulties of a system that does not properly capture the nation’s riches or ensure that resources are distributed equitably. However, this tax reform bill has given Nigerians a renewed feeling of hope.

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    The journey has been intense. Last year, in October 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proposed the Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly to overhaul the country’s tax structure. 

    These bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill 

    The goal is to consolidate and integrate Nigeria’s tax laws to encourage consistent procedures and efficient administration, allowing for improved tax compliance in the face of current situations.

    Some governors voiced their worries as the tax reforms progressed, especially with the implementation of taxation policies impacting natural resources, they were concerned that some tax policies, especially those that targeted oil and gas extraction, might cause economic inequality.

    However, the Tax boss and the Tax Reform Committee did not back down from this challenge; they initiated discussions, listened to people’s worries, and—above all—proved to Nigerians that these reforms were not a threat but rather a chance to build a better future for every region in Nigeria.

    The governors have now openly backed the tax reform bills, with an emphasis on a revamped VAT distribution system that promotes justice across all regions. They also reiterated their commitment to maintaining the nation’s tax rates, exempting essential products from VAT, and focusing on long-term economic stability.

    With the new formula, 50% of VAT revenue will be distributed evenly across the states, while 30% will be based on derivation, ensuring that the states that contribute the most to revenue creation receive their fair share. 

    The remaining 20% will be allocated according to population size. This formula not only tackles the issue of fairness but also reflects our country’s variety and requirements. 

    None of this would have been possible without the Tax Boss’s constant effort. As I regularly say, he has demonstrated that tax reform is more than just collecting revenue; it is about ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the services they deserve and can rely on the system to work for them. It is about ensuring a good future for our healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social services. 

    Three “gbosa for a man wey sabi”, Dr. Zacch! A leader who has shown that no matter how tough the challenges are, with determination, anything is possible. For those of us who have been waiting for this kind of news, it feels like we’re finally about to step into something big, a whole new era for Nigeria.

    – Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on Broadcast to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

  • What to expect from FIRS in 2025

    What to expect from FIRS in 2025

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji and his team did so much in 2024 that one can’t help but wonder what 2025 holds. 

    This is a man who is not only ready to work but also committed to doing what is necessary in the tax sector. But as we start the year, one question keeps coming to my mind: when will the Tax Reform Bill be passed into law? 

    These are bills Nigerians should look forward to and seize the opportunity for, as it can transform how taxes are managed. One thing is for sure: the Tax Boss plans to do even more this year.

    If you have been following FIRS closely over the past year, you will know that it has been a year of innovative change and progress. With Dr.  Zacch in charge, FIRS has moved from strength to strength. Whether it’s pushing for transparency, improving efficiency, or embracing technology to modernize the system, the management team at FIRS has stepped up in ways we haven’t seen before in Nigeria. 

    The Tax Boss does not only celebrate 2024’s achievement all by himself, he also recognizes the collaborative work that made it possible. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and continuous alignment of people, processes, and technology.

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    These three pillars were key in meeting the revenue targets and will remain so as FIRS pushes for even greater success in this year, 2025. 

    Dr. Zacch points out how necessary it is for FIRS to maintain public trust. It’s a relationship that takes time to build but can be lost in an instant. Throughout 2024, FIRS worked hard to make sure that taxpayers understood where their money was going and how it was being used. 

    The effort to make the process more transparent, to answer questions before they arise, and to ensure taxpayers feel valued has made a difference in Nigeria. It’s about showing that paying taxes is not just an obligation, it’s a responsibility we all share in building our nation.

    The new year has only just begun, and it is evident that FIRS intends to take advantage of the chance it presents. The road ahead is filled with both challenges and possibilities. The Tax Boss is ready to face those challenges head-on, and he’s bringing the whole team with him. 

    It is about ensuring that every Nigerian understands the need to pay taxes while also trusting that the system has their back. Whether it’s simplifying processes, improving communication, or launching more accessible technologies, FIRS is working toward a single goal: a stronger Nigeria.

    The targets for 2025 are higher, as are the expectations. It is a year of continuing to innovate, pushing the limits of what is possible, and being committed to taxpayers. Dr. Zacch has set a high standard, and there is no doubt that with his leadership, determination, and teamwork, the agency will continue to succeed in Nigeria.

    – Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. 

  • Adedeji: Happy 47th birthday to a game-changer

    Adedeji: Happy 47th birthday to a game-changer

    The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, should consider himself lucky because not all persons are blessed with opportunities to become game-changers. o, Happy Birthday to the man on whose shoulders so much is riding.

    Adedeji’s demonstrated track-record and managerial capacity motivated a far-sighted President Bola Tinubu to give him a post which is now a critical national assignment. The current post is actually make-or-break! The FIRS will lead the charge of the brigade to reboot the Nigerian economy from stagnation to a production-led, modern economy.

    In his interlude so far, the Iwo-Ate, Oyo State-born technocrat has already made a fundamental difference. He has redirected the territory of the discourse and the perception of the FIRS. The Service is no longer seen as just another government bureaucracy, justifying its very existence. Rather, it’s now seen as THE fundamental trajectory for sustainable development. In this way, Adedeji is being inscribed into the annals of Nigerian history as a historic persona, whose pioneering efforts in tax reform will be remembered for generations to come.

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    For the FIRS Boss, life is good. So, he has no reason to apportion blame or shift responsibilities. To this end, anybody who wishes Nigeria well must wish Zacch Adedeji many happy returns and pray that he’s not distracted from carrying out what is actually a historic mission.

    May this New Year bring him closer to his dreams, strengthen his relationships and fill his heart with love and gratitude!

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

  • Minister felicitates FIRS boss Adedeji on 47th birthday

    Minister felicitates FIRS boss Adedeji on 47th birthday

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has felicitated the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, on his 47th birth anniversary.

    In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the minister stated that under his leadership, FIRS has witnessed unprecedented growth and transformation, with significant increases in revenue generation and improved tax administration. 

    She added that his vision, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach have earned him widespread recognition and respect within the tax community and beyond.

    The statement reads in part: “Today, marks a significant milestone in the life of our indefatigable Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). 

    “As you celebrate, I, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs honour your remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to nation-building.

    “Under your leadership, FIRS has witnessed unprecedented growth and transformation, with significant increases in revenue generation and improved tax administration. 

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    “Your vision, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach have earned you widespread recognition and respect within the tax community and beyond.

    “As a seasoned tax administrator and policy expert, you have brought your wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the tax landscape in Nigeria. 

    “Your commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and voluntary tax compliance has been instrumental in shaping the tax narrative in the country.

    “Here’s wishing you a joyous 47th birthday, good health, and many more years of inspired leadership and service to our great nation.”

  • Zacch Adedeji: The boy who dreamed beyond the village and became a national treasure

    Zacch Adedeji: The boy who dreamed beyond the village and became a national treasure

    By Collins Omokaro

    Once upon a time, in the quiet village of Iwo-Ate in Oyo State, a boy was born with a spark in his eyes and a dream too big for the cocoa fields that surrounded him. This boy, Zacch Adedeji PhD, grew up amidst the aroma of cocoa pods and the hum of small-town life, where the sun rose and set with a predictable rhythm. But deep within him stirred the desire for a life beyond the horizon he could see—a life of purpose, transformation, and impact.

    Like a seed planted in fertile soil, Zacch’s growth was nurtured by the values of his family: hard work, integrity, and a deep sense of community. He was not born into luxury or privilege, but he was endowed with a mind as sharp as a newly forged blade and the determination to rise above every obstacle. Guided by the English proverb, “God helps those who help themselves,” he set out on a path that would redefine his destiny.

    True to this wisdom, Zacch didn’t wait for opportunities to knock; he sought them out with unrelenting vigour. At every stage of his life, he proved that destiny rewards those who prepare and persevere.

    From his humble beginnings, Zacch excelled where others faltered. He earned a National Diploma in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, and then achieved a First-Class degree in Management and Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. But he did not stop there. He went on to obtain a Master’s degree and eventually a PhD in Accounting—an achievement that crowned his academic journey. His hunger for knowledge led him to the hallowed halls of Harvard Kennedy School, where he sharpened his expertise in economic development and public policy.

    Zacch’s mind was a treasure trove of wisdom, the kind that could unravel the knottiest problems with clarity and foresight. Whether in classrooms or corridors of power, his insights carried weight. It is often said that if you were fortunate to walk with him, even the smallest piece of advice he offered could illuminate paths you hadn’t yet imagined.

    By the age of 47, Zacch Adedeji had accomplished what many would consider the work of several lifetimes. As the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), he turned an institution once beleaguered by inefficiency into a national beacon of excellence. Under his visionary leadership, the FIRS achieved a staggering 144 percent increase in tax revenue. Through digital transformation and a customer-first approach, he made paying taxes not only seamless but also fair—a testament to his belief in service to both government and citizenry.

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    Simultaneously, he serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, where his wisdom shapes Nigeria’s fiscal policies. His strategies have strengthened the nation’s revenue framework, stabilised the economy, and inspired confidence among stakeholders.

    Before these national roles, Zacch had already left an indelible mark. As the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, he implemented the Treasury Single Account, revolutionising how state finances were managed. At the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), he championed the establishment of the Nigeria Sugar Institute and secured extensions for critical programmes that strengthened Nigeria’s sugar industry.

    Yet, for all his accomplishments, what makes Dr. Adedeji truly remarkable is his humanity. His leadership is not built on titles or power but on service, humility, and a genuine concern for people. He is a mentor who listens, a leader who collaborates, and a man who never forgets the village that raised him.

    Zacch often says, “Hard work never goes unnoticed.” His life embodies this adage. Through hard work, he has opened doors not just for himself but for countless others, inspiring them to pursue excellence and integrity.

    From the cocoa fields of Iwo-Ate to the corridors of power in Abuja, Dr. Zacch Adedeji’s journey is a living fairy tale—one that proves that greatness is born not from privilege but from purpose. His achievements at just 47 years old—PhD holder, transformative leader, and trusted adviser—are a testament to what is possible when hard work meets divine favour.

    As the English proverb goes, “Many hands make light work,” Zacch’s life exemplifies this truth. He has woven networks of trust, collaboration, and innovation that have overcome formidable challenges and driven Nigeria towards progress.

    Today, I celebrate not just a leader but a legend in the making. Dr. Adedeji, your journey inspires us all to dream bigger, work harder, and serve better. It is my greatest honour to walk some of this journey with you, to learn from your wisdom, and to witness your transformative impact on Nigeria and beyond.

    Happy 47th Birthday, Sir! May your story continue to inspire, and may your legacy shine brighter with each passing year.

    • Collins Omokaro – Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy

  • 2024 Recap: How Zacch Adedeji broke record of tax administration in Nigeria

    2024 Recap: How Zacch Adedeji broke record of tax administration in Nigeria

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    Change is never easy, but it is often necessary. In 2024, Nigeria witnessed a series of reforms that underscored the power of determined and purposeful leadership. Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has redefined the tax sector in Nigeria. His efforts were not merely about adjusting policies; they were about reconstructing a fractured system, ensuring its efficiency, and promoting trust between the government and its people.

    Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there was a clear mandate for action and progress. Leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda has been about assembling people who are not just capable but also willing to work tirelessly toward Nigeria’s development. Dr. Zacch exemplified this character. From the get-go, he took on the challenge of transforming Nigeria’s tax system. He understood the assignment that leadership is not about holding a position; it’s about making an impact, and he wasted no time in doing so.

    The Tax Boss focused on leveraging technology and data to enhance tax collection, achieving a huge reduction in inefficiencies. One of his key projects was the complete modernization of the TaxProMax system, introducing new modules that have automated over 80% of the previously manual processes, improving transparency and service delivery for taxpayers. This has allowed for smoother interactions between the FIRS and various stakeholders, making the tax process more accessible and user-friendly, especially for small business owners.

    Alongside this technology, Dr. Zacch has made an effort to expand Nigeria’s tax base. Traditionally, the country’s revenue has disproportionately relied on the oil sector. Still, with global oil prices being volatile and unpredictable, he understood that Nigeria’s financial stability would require a much more pool of tax revenue. He worked to bring more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the tax system by offering them support and incentives. This helped businesses that might have otherwise been left out to join the system and contribute to the country’s revenue. His approach made it easier for SMEs to pay taxes, ensuring they could be part of the system and grow within it.

    This 2024, FIRS exceeded its N19.4 trillion revenue targets by a long margin, far surpassing the N12.3 trillion revenue collection for 2023. This speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Dr. Zacch’s reforms. His leadership has turned FIRS into a high-performing agency, one that is now regarded as a major player in driving Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.

    The Tax Boss has developed policies that cater to Nigeria’s economic realities. For instance, his insistence on a fair tax system that does not burden the poor while ensuring that wealthier people and corporations contribute fairly has helped redefine tax equity in Nigeria. His approach, which prioritizes fairness, has made the system more inclusive, encouraging more people to pay taxes without feeling overburdened. This strategy is necessary for ensuring that the government has the resources it needs to invest in infrastructure, social services, and other projects that will drive Nigeria’s long-term growth.

    One of Dr. Zacch’s legacies for 2024 is his push for transparency and accountability. He introduced the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). This was designed to eliminate corrupt practices within FIRS, ensuring that the tax administration process is conducted with the highest standards of integrity. This step aligns with his broader vision for an equitable tax system that emphasizes prosperity rather than burdening the disadvantaged. His philosophy “We tax the fruit, not the seed” has shaped the direction of tax reforms, making the system fairer and more accessible.

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    To enhance Nigeria’s global trade standing, he introduces the National Single Window Project (NSWP) to simplify trade and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business. This initiative aims to integrate Nigeria’s tax and trade systems, ensuring that businesses can interact with the government through a single, streamlined portal. The benefits of the NSWP are extensive, as it helps reduce red tape, improve efficiency, and make Nigeria more competitive in the global marketplace.

    His role as the President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) has had an impact on Nigeria’s tax administration. Under the Tax Boss, CATA has become a platform for tax administrations across the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and best practices.

    Beyond operational reforms, the Tax Boss has focused on improving the welfare of FIRS employees, understanding that a motivated workforce is necessary for the success of any organization. He has supported and eased staffs’ levelling up processes, and other welfare programs, resulting in a more committed and energized workforce. His leadership style, which combines compassion with insight, has created a positive work environment at FIRS.

    The 2024 Tax Reform Bill 2024 is one of the most anticipated legislative pieces. It has successfully passed the second reading in the Senate. This bill aims to overhaul the country’s fragmented tax laws by consolidating them into a more unified and transparent framework. One of the objectives of this reform is to simplify the tax compliance process, which has long been seen as overly complex and discouraging for businesses.

    By streamlining tax laws, the bill is designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, thereby making it easier for businesses, particularly SMEs, to navigate tax and invest in growth. Additionally, the bill is set to introduce measures that will promote tax compliance and fairness, ensuring that all sectors of society contribute fairly to the national revenue.

    Another component of the proposed reforms is the establishment of tax tribunals and a tax ombudsman. These entities will provide a formal, transparent mechanism for resolving tax disputes, which have often been a source of frustration for taxpayers. Moreover, the proposed Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill aims to replace the outdated FIRS Act, ushering in a more contemporary framework that can better address the challenges of the modern economy.

    Once the Tax Reform Bill is passed and implemented, it will simplify Nigeria’s tax system by reducing taxes. People earning up to the minimum wage will no longer pay income tax, and small businesses with annual turnover under ₦50 million will be tax-exempt. The corporate tax rate will gradually decrease, and there will be a new system to ensure that double taxation is eliminated. VAT on essentials like food, healthcare, and education will remain exempt, while states will get a larger share of VAT revenue to support their development.

    This year has been about far more than just increasing revenue, it has been about setting Nigeria on a path toward fiscal independence and resilience. For the Tax Boss, the journey is far from over. While progress has been made in transforming Nigeria’s tax system, there are still challenges to overcome.

    He is committed to ensuring that all the reforms are fully implemented across the country, and this will require the government to keep pushing forward and maintain the momentum already built. The Tax Boss has laid a solid foundation for a tax system that will benefit Nigeria and its people, and we are all here for it, eagerly watching as the impact continues to unfold.

    – Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service

  • Adedeji lauds NPA on domestic crude sales

    Adedeji lauds NPA on domestic crude sales

    The Chairman, Technical Sub-Committee, on the implementation of the Federal Government’s policy on domestic sales of crude oil and refined  products in naira, Zacch Adedeji, has commended the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) team, led by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for ensuring smooth operations.

    Speaking when he visited the NPA Headquarters yesterday, Adedeji who is also the  Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), thanked the team led by NPA for “playing a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the presidential directive on the domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira”

    Adedeji said: “We recognize that this pioneering effort is a significant achievement, and no doubt reflects your commitment and patriotism”.

    “Thus, we encourage you to maintain the hard work and dedication that has made this initiative a success.

    “We also extend our gratitude to all participating agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support.

    “Thank you for your outstanding teamwork and service to the nation”.

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    In his response, the Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho said: “this commendation can only spur us to do more in advancing this noble initiative. Let me seize this moment to specially appreciate the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for providing the leadership that catalyzed our success on this venture.

    “We also thank the tireless Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee, Zacch Adedeji for the unwavering support that culminated in this milestone”.

    With the success of this audacious initiative to sell crude and allied products in Naira to domestic refiners, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has in addition to saving losses running into billions of Naira, guaranteeing national energy security, deepening balance of trade and creating jobs, also sustainably put an end to the scarcity of petroleum products and the excruciating queues that hitherto characterized the yuletide season.

    This development is coming on the heels of the  announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery of a reduction in the ex-depot price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N899.50 per litre.

    Other members of the team are drawn from:

    Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority

    (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

    Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy

    Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Nigeria Customs Service

    Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

    Port Health Service, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd.

    National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

    Dangote Refineries Ltd.

    Others are the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN) ,

    Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) constitute the OSS team

  • Adedeji elected to ATAF Council

    Adedeji elected to ATAF Council

    Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has been elected as a council member of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).

    Adedeji joins nine other heads of national tax administrations in the council, tasked with strengthening tax governance and driving sustainable economic development across the continent.

    The election took place during ATAF’s General Assembly, where member nations voted in a keenly contested process. The new council marks a fresh chapter in ATAF’s mission to enhance tax systems and regional collaboration.

    South Africa was elected as the Chair of ATAF, with Namibia taking the Vice Chair position. Other council members include tax administration heads from Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and Botswana.

    In his inaugural address, Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner for the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) and the newly elected Chair of ATAF, stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation. “We are committed to fostering transparency and delivering the strategic leadership necessary to achieve sustainable development goals for the continent. Together, we will ensure that African tax administrations are equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” Kieswetter stated.

    The outgoing Chair, Dr. Philippe Tchodie, Commissioner General of the Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR), expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure.

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    He said, “It has been an honour to serve this organisation. I am confident that the new council will build on our collective achievements to further ATAF’s mission and strengthen tax systems across Africa.”

    The new council has pledged to prioritize ATAF’s role in enhancing regional collaboration and equipping African nations to mobilize resources effectively. This includes strengthening tax systems to support economic growth and the delivery of critical public services.

    Adedeji’s election to the council underscores Nigeria’s influence in shaping tax policies and governance in Africa and furthering efforts to ensure robust resource mobilization across the continent. Babatumde Fowler and Mohammed Nami have been past Chairs of ATAF.