Fourty Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of the Civil Society Committee Against Corruption in Nigeria (CSCACN) has passed a vote of confidence on the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, for his exceptional leadership and achievements in revenue collection, tax administration, and contribution to national development.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the CSCACN apologised for a previous petition accusing Mr. Adedeji of wrongdoing, stating that the allegations were based on inaccurate and misleading information.
The CSCACN, represented by Abdullah Mohammed, Segun Ojo Abayomi, Syvester Agbonlahor, Nwachukwu Emeka and Ahmed Sanni, during the press conference acknowledged Mr. Adedeji’s strategic vision, innovative approach, and effective management of the FIRS, which they said have resulted in significant improvements in revenue collection, taxpayer engagement, and institutional capacity.
The CSCACN highlighted Mr. Adedeji’s achievements, including the automation and digitalisation of tax administration processes, improved taxpayer sensitisation and engagement, strengthened institutional capacity and governance, and contribution to national development through increased revenue collection.
“CSCACN would like to sincerely apologize to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, for the petition we had submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau. We regret any inconvenience or damage this may have caused to his reputation and the integrity of the FIRS. Our actions were driven by a genuine concern for transparency and accountability in public office, but we should have verified the information more thoroughly before making such serious allegations,” he said.
Aminu said under Mr. Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS has strengthened its internal control mechanisms and compliance with best practices in corporate governance, adding that this has helped to enhance the overall integrity and credibility of the agency, making it a more trustworthy and reliable partner in the country’s tax ecosystem.
He said further that, “Moreover, the FIRS under Mr. Adedeji’s stewardship has collaborated with other government agencies and international partners to combat tax evasion, money laundering, and other financial crimes. This has helped to strengthen the country’s economic resilience and protect the integrity of its financial system, which are essential for attracting foreign investment and fostering sustainable economic growth.”
The group expressed its unwavering support and confidence in Mr. Adedeji’s ability to continue leading the FIRS to greater heights, and called upon all Nigerians, the government, and relevant stakeholders to support the FIRS in its efforts to enhance tax administration and contribute to national development.