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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have retracted corruption allegations made against the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji.
Recall that the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) at the National Assembly had accused top FIRS officials of financial misconduct.
But in a statement yesterday, President, Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Emeka Mbonu; Convener, Citizens Right International, Osondu Chinelo, National Coordinator, Advocacy for Good Governance; Oluaseun Ayotomiwa, and two others, claimed that they were misled.
According to them, “after a thorough review and verification of their claims, the coalition acknowledged that the allegations were unfounded and based on unverified information.”
They added: “We have now confirmed that the information we relied upon during the protest was inaccurate and not properly verified,” the coalition stated.
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“We sincerely apologise to Dr Zacch Adedeji for any harm, embarrassment, or misunderstanding caused by the claims in the protest statement. We equally commend his exemplary leadership, integrity, and the reforms he has championed at the FIRS.
“Since assuming office over two years ago, Dr Zacch Adedeji has repositioned the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a model of transparency, innovation, and professionalism. His tenure has been defined by visionary reforms, fiscal discipline, and the digital transformation of Nigeria’s tax system.
“Under his leadership, the FIRS has consistently surpassed its revenue targets. In 2023, it generated ₦12.36 trillion against a target of ₦11.55 trillion, and in 2024, the agency collected ₦21.7 trillion, exceeding its ₦19.7 trillion projection. Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service realised ₦46 trillion in total tax revenue, representing 115 per cent of its combined targets.
“These achievements were driven by innovative reforms, enhanced staff productivity, and the introduction of technology-driven tax solutions that improved compliance and reduced leakages.
“Under Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS launched several digital tools, including TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, and USSD tax payment services, automating over 80 per cent of manual processes and simplifying taxpayer engagement.”
