Fresh Storm as Critics Question Motive Behind Campaign Targeting FIRS Boss Zacch Adedeji
- The Arewa Consultative Youth Movement called for FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji to step aside over lifestyle concerns and this has prompted strong pushback from his aides
- Adedeji’s aides urged authorities to probe those behind the allegations, describing the campaign as an attempt to destabilise the service rather than promote accountability
- Under Adedeji, the FIRS strengthened tax administration, sealed revenue leakages, improved revenue generation, enhanced staff welfare
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
A new wave of controversy has surfaced after the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement called for the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, to step aside pending an investigation into what it termed concerns about his lifestyle.
The demand has stirred strong reactions, with many dismissing the claims as vague, unfounded and suspiciously timed.
Source: UGC
Critics demand clarity on allegations
In a firm rebuttal, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, technical assistant on broadcast media to the FIRS Chairman, condemned the group’s request.
She argued that the organisation had provided no evidence of wrongdoing and accused it of trying to tarnish Adedeji’s image.
According to her, the call was nothing more than a sponsored attempt to discredit a man she described as resourceful and deeply committed to stabilising Nigeria’s finances.
Atoyebi questioned why anyone would target the FIRS when it has become one of the most effective arms of government.
She stressed that under Adedeji’s watch, the service had improved revenue generation and helped reduce the nation’s dependence on borrowing.
FIRS achievements under Adedeji
The statement highlighted several reforms championed by Adedeji, including measures that sealed revenue leakages and strengthened Nigeria’s tax administration, Vanguard reports.
Atoyebi noted that he had pushed through changes that repositioned the tax system and improved its ability to support national development.
She added that calls for Adedeji’s removal were attacks not just on him but on the broader economic strategy of the current administration, given the central role of revenue mobilisation in achieving fiscal stability.
Revenue growth and staff welfare improvements
Atoyebi credited the FIRS Chairman with surpassing revenue targets and prioritising staff welfare, which she said had boosted morale and strengthened the service.
She also linked the nation’s rising external reserves, which she claimed had climbed to about 45 billion dollars, in part to the FIRS’ heightened revenue drive and reforms.
Source: Facebook
She maintained that the positive effects of these efforts were already visible across the economy, reinforcing the importance of stable leadership within the FIRS.
Calls for probe into motives behind campaign
With the allegations gaining attention, Atoyebi urged security agencies to investigate those behind the claims, describing them as individuals working against national interest.
She insisted that Adedeji had shown exceptional performance and should be allowed to continue his reforms without unnecessary distractions.
She concluded by saying that anyone eyeing his position should wait until his term ends, adding that the current campaign appears aimed at destabilising the service rather than promoting accountability.
List of 50 exemptions and tax-free people
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal government disclosed that from January 1, 2026, Nigerians earning modest incomes, small businesses, and everyday taxpayers would begin to enjoy a wide range of exemptions and reliefs under the new tax reform laws signed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, outlined 50 key exemptions and deductions covering personal income, pensions, small businesses, and essential goods and services.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
