by Arabinrin Aderonke
Steeze is a growing slang in Nigeria known for expressing the personality of a person’s fashion style, aura, and confidence. In the case of Nigeria’s tax boss, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, he exudes all.
The Tax Boss brings a unique blend of charisma, style, and determination to his role as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). His leadership is marked by a confident and modern approach to transforming Nigeria’s tax administration.
Dr. Adedeji is known for his passion for using technology to improve tax matters. Since taking office, he has achieved remarkable progress in integrating advanced technology into the tax system. His initiatives have streamlined tax processes, enhanced transparency, and made it easier for taxpayers to comply with tax regulations. By leveraging technology, the tax boss has not only improved efficiency within the FIRS but also increased revenue collection, showcasing his commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s tax administration.
He has introduced some interesting tax-related mantras to simplify taxpayer communication. Phrases like “We will tax the fruit, not the seed,” “We will tax prosperity, not poverty,” and “We will tax the profit, not the investment” encapsulates his philosophy of fair and growth-oriented taxation.
These mantras aim to convey that the FIRS’s goal is to support economic prosperity without imposing undue burdens on individuals and businesses. Dr. Adedeji’s clear and relatable messages have helped build trust and understanding among taxpayers in Nigeria.
At the helm of the new FIRS structure, Dr. Adedeji has prioritized people-centricity, effectiveness, efficiency, cohesiveness, data-driven approaches, adaptability, and cutting-edge innovations. He emphasizes that paying taxes is not just an obligation but an investment in a brighter future for all Nigerians. Under his leadership, FIRS is committed to simplifying tax processes and maximizing revenue collection to support national development. His vision is to create a tax administration that is responsive, transparent, and supportive of the nation’s economic growth.
A rare leadership skill that shows empathy towards taxpayers and relevant stakeholders. His words were also, “tax collectors are like gardeners that need to water the flowers to keep it green, flourishing and growing, ” and taxpayers are not criminals but partners in economic progress and prosperity.”
In every aspect of his work, Dr. Zacch Adedeji exemplifies steeze. His confident and stylish approach to leadership transforms Nigeria’s tax system, making it more efficient and fairer.
He is setting new standards in tax administration, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
_Arabinrin Aderonke is an Award-Winning investigative journalist, 2016 finalist, CNN African Journalism Award. She currently serves as the Technical Assistant, Broadcast Media at the Federal Inland Revenue Service._
