As of mid-September 2025, Zacch Adedeji has served 24 months as Executive Chairman of FIRS.
His appointment came at a time Nigeria needed more effective revenue mobilisation to match the expectations of the Tinubu administration.
In a special report from Abuja, Sikiru Akinola, Technical Assistant on Media to the FIRS Chairman, highlighted key achievements:
Revenue performance & targets
In 2023, FIRS collected ₦12.37 trillion, exceeding its target of ₦11.56 trillion (107% performance).
In 2024, FIRS collected ₦21.7 trillion, surpassing its target of ₦19.4 trillion.
The 2025 target is ₦25.2 trillion, and current figures suggest FIRS is on track to exceed this.
Welfare and staff morale
In April 2024, Adedeji approved a 60% salary increase for FIRS workers.
Other welfare packages are being provided, which have increased staff morale and productivity.
Fight Against Leakages: FIRS is tackling illicit financial flows and has launched the National Single Window project to streamline import and export processes.
Introduction of a USSD code (*829#) to allow taxpayers to perform tax-services via their mobile phones (even without internet).
Technology Upgrades which the taxpayers can now access services through the upgraded TaxProMax platform and a new USSD code *829# making tax compliance faster and easier. Upgrade and improvements to the TaxProMax platform.
Roll-out of a “Merchant-Buyer” e-invoicing solution for large taxpayers (firms with annual turnover ≥ ₦5 billion). More than 1,000 out of the more than 5,000 eligible large taxpayers have already keyed in within the first two weeks.
Combatting illicit financial flows (IFFs) & improving compliance.
FIRS organized a two-day conference to address IFFs arising from profit shifting, aggressive tax avoidance, trade mispricing, etc.
Enhancing beneficial ownership transparency, leveraging technology to detect/deter tax evasion.
National Single Window (NSW) project which NSW is domiciled in FIRS aimed at simplifying processes for imports/exports, reducing time at ports, thereby facilitating trade, improving revenue collection, and enhancing ease of doing business.
It's expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2026.
New tax laws & reliefs is the Four new tax bills (laws) being processed or enacted are seen as “game-changers".
Fairer Tax System: New laws remove VAT on food, education, medical care, and accommodation and exempt Nigerians earning ₦800,000 or less per year from personal income tax.
Staff Motivation: A 60% salary increase for staff and new recruitment drives have boosted morale and improved service delivery.
Exemption for individuals earning ₦800,000 or less per year from personal income tax.
Removing payroll tax burden for those earning at or below the minimum wage.
Emphasis is on taxing the fruits, not the seeds meaning focusing taxation on productive income and not placing undue burden on vulnerable or low-income earners.
Broader economic context is the reforms are expected to aid economic revival and fairness in taxation.
Adedeji’s leadership is tied to wider macroeconomic policy adjustments by the Tinubu administration e.g. removal of petroleum subsidy, unification of exchange rates which have helped increase the pool of resources.
It is noted that about 70% of the monthly allocations shared to states and locals derive from tax revenue collected. So improved tax collection has a wide impact.
The reforms and performance point to a stronger, more efficient tax authority with a focus on fairness, simplification, and technology.
If the momentum continues, expectations are that Nigeria will see further improvements in revenue capacity, better taxpayer compliance, and improved business environment.
Dr. Adedeji says these reforms are not about raising taxes but about building a fair, transparent, and people-friendly tax system that powers economic growth. Technology / ease of doing business & taxpayer-centric reforms. Also, ensuring that operational systems (IT, staff training, compliance mechanisms) match the legal reforms.
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