CSOs laud FIRS chair for ongoing reforms

A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has applauded the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for his exceptional leadership, integrity, and far-reaching reforms that have repositioned the Service as a model of transparency and efficiency. Organisations (CSOs) also tendered a public and unreserved apology to Adedeji after […]

A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has applauded the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for his exceptional leadership, integrity, and far-reaching reforms that have repositioned the Service as a model of transparency and efficiency.

Organisations (CSOs) also tendered a public and unreserved apology to Adedeji after new findings and clarifications cleared him of all allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office earlier circulated during a protest.

The apology followed a recent protest by the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) at the National Assembly, where the group had accused top FIRS officials of financial misconduct.

After a thorough review and verification of their claims, the coalition acknowledged that the allegations were unfounded and based on unverified information.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the leaders of the CSOs expressed deep regret over the embarrassment caused to Dr Adedeji, his family, and the FIRS as an institution, noting that the earlier protest was misguided.

The statement was jointly signed by: Dr. Emeka Mbonu, President, Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria; Chief (Mrs) Osondu Chinelo, Convener, Citizens Right International; Dr. Oluaseun Ayotomiwa, National Coordinator, Advocacy for Good Governance; Amb. Eyitayo Olukayode, Coordinator, Centre for Leadership and Educational Development; Hajia Zainabu Mohammed, Convener, Africa Patriotic Development Mission

Others are, Dr. Usman Aliyu Yahaya, Executive Director, Zero Tolerance and Anti-Corruption Network; Princess Doubra Abadi-Ingobo, Coordinator, Network Against Poverty in Africa Campaign; Eduvie Samuel Efe, Executive Director, Campaign Against Corruption International; and Comrade Otokpa Echechofu Philip, Convener, Network for Advancement of Democracy in Africa.

The coalition described Dr. Adedeji as a visionary public servant whose innovative policies and digital-driven tax reforms have strengthened revenue mobilisation, enhanced compliance, and boosted Nigeria’s economic resilience.

They noted that under Dr. Adedeji’s stewardship, the FIRS has consistently surpassed its revenue targets, recording ₦12.36 trillion in 2023 against a projection of ₦11.55 trillion and ₦21.7 trillion in 2024, exceeding its ₦19.7 trillion goal. Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service realised ₦46 trillion in total tax revenue, representing 115 per cent of its combined targets.

According to the coalition, these achievements reflect Dr. Adedeji’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and technological innovation. The FIRS, it said, has become a benchmark for accountability through initiatives such as TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, USSD payment platforms, and the National Single Window Project, which have automated over 80 per cent of manual processes and simplified taxpayer engagement.

In reaffirming their support, the coalition said: “We sincerely commend Dr. Zacch Adedeji for his outstanding performance and visionary reforms at the FIRS. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership and strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s tax administration.

“Since assuming office, Dr. Adedeji has prioritised fiscal inclusion, taxpayer satisfaction, and staff welfare. His leadership focus — anchored on service, accountability, and innovation — has contributed significantly to raising Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.8 per cent toward the African average of 18 per cent.”

The CSOs pledged continued support for the FIRS reform agenda, assuring that future advocacy efforts would be guided by facts and verified data.