By Arabinrin Aderonke
Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji and his team did so much in 2024 that one can’t help but wonder what 2025 holds. This is a man who is not only ready to work but also committed to doing what is necessary in the tax sector. But as we start the year, one question keeps coming to my mind: when will the Tax Reform Bill be passed into law? These are bills Nigerians should look forward to and seize the opportunity for, as it can transform how taxes are managed. One thing is for sure: the Tax Boss plans to do even more this year.
If you have been following FIRS closely over the past year, you will know that it has been a year of innovative change and progress. With Dr. Zacch in charge, FIRS has moved from strength to strength. Whether it’s pushing for transparency, improving efficiency, or embracing technology to modernize the system, the management team at FIRS has stepped up in ways we haven’t seen before in Nigeria.
The Tax Boss does not only celebrate 2024’s achievement all by himself, he also recognizes the collaborative work that made it possible. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and continuous alignment of people, processes, and technology. These three pillars were key in meeting the revenue targets and will remain so as FIRS pushes for even greater success in this year, 2025.
Dr. Zacch points out how necessary it is for FIRS to maintain public trust. It’s a relationship that takes time to build but can be lost in an instant. Throughout 2024, FIRS worked hard to make sure that taxpayers understood where their money was going and how it was being used. The effort to make the process more transparent, to answer questions before they arise, and to ensure taxpayers feel valued has made a difference in Nigeria. It’s about showing that paying taxes is not just an obligation, it’s a responsibility we all share in building our nation.
The new year has only just begun, and it is evident that FIRS intends to take advantage of the chance it presents. The road ahead is filled with both challenges and possibilities. The Tax Boss is ready to face those challenges head-on, and he’s bringing the whole team with him. It is about ensuring that every Nigerian understands the need to pay taxes while also trusting that the system has their back. Whether it’s simplifying processes, improving communication, or launching more accessible technologies, FIRS is working toward a single goal: a stronger Nigeria.
The targets for 2025 are higher, as are the expectations. It is a year of continuing to innovate, pushing the limits of what is possible, and being committed to taxpayers. Dr. Zacch has set a high standard, and there is no doubt that with his leadership, determination, and teamwork, the agency will continue to succeed in Nigeria.
_Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service_
