The Christian Holy Book, the Bible, in Ecclesiastes 10:10 (KJV), says: “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” The direct interpretation is that when a blade is blunt or not sharp, it must be sharpened to be effective; otherwise, one will struggle to use it. In other words, it is not just what you do, but how you do it that matters. Your approach to any given task determines your success or failure in it.
To further illustrate the importance of approach, I refer again to the Bible, this time in Luke 19:1-10 (NIV). This passage tells the story of a man named Zacchaeus, who, like Zacch Adedeji, was a tax collector. Having heard about the Lord, he desperately wanted to see Him. However, being a short man, how could he see through the crowd? He ran ahead and climbed a tree so he could see Him. This strategic approach earned him salvation.
Struggles or failures often arise when strategies are not employed. Organizations either fail or succeed depending on the approaches or strategies they utilize.
Like Zacchaeus, Zacch Adedeji is a strategic thinker who is methodical in his approach to taxation in Nigeria. His tax collection strategy encourages willingness on the part of the taxpayer.
In his remarks while taking over the leadership of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) about a year ago, Zacch Adedeji laid out his vision for the organization and the approach he would employ.
Beginning with a quote, he stated, “On a personal note, I firmly believe in the wisdom encapsulated in the statement, ‘Revenue growth is the lifeblood of a nation’s economy, providing the means to fulfill essential duties to its citizens.’ These words capture the core principle that will guide us as we navigate the challenging terrain ahead, ensuring that our nation thrives and fulfills its obligations to its citizens.”
He continued, “As we chart our course ahead, FIRS is committed to placing innovation, technology, and fresh ideas at the forefront of our operations. This strategic focus will empower us to enhance efficiency, fortify against revenue leaks, and bolster coordination and accountability within our organization.”
Adedeji emphasized that “our overarching goal is to nurture voluntary tax compliance by establishing a modern, dependable tax system that garners the trust and admiration of all stakeholders. Through this, we hope to create an environment where taxpayers willingly fulfill their civic duties.”
Further elaborating on his mission as the new tax chief, Adedeji stated: “A fundamental aspect of our mission is to elucidate to taxpayers why their civic duty matters. We are committed to simplifying our tax system, making it accessible and comprehensible, thereby facilitating voluntary tax payments and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.”
During a familiarization visit to the Ikoyi office of FIRS in Lagos, where he met with top management staff, he reiterated his vision for the organization and the need for accurate data to drive its operations. “We can play with everything, but what we cannot afford to play with, if we are going to succeed, are data and merit,” he said. He added, “There is no such thing as fiscal discipline unless you have accurate revenue prediction. This is because if you say you want to spend N10 and be disciplined with it, that means the N10 must be available.”
Emphasizing his vision, Dr. Zacch stated, “We have an audacious vision of accelerated revenue collection and achieving an 18% tax-to-GDP ratio in the next three years to ensure financial sustainability and reduce the nation’s reliance on borrowing. This aligns with the FIRS vision of making taxation the pivot of national development. Accordingly, my vision for the future of FIRS is rooted in efficient service delivery, transparency, and innovation.”
Today, a year later, with a combination of the various strategies and approaches he highlighted as the cornerstone of his administration, there are numerous achievements to show for it.
One of the first actions he took upon resuming duty at FIRS was to completely restructure the organization’s operations to reflect his new thinking and policy direction. Speaking in a recent interview, the FIRS boss said: “Before I assumed office, the agency was structured along functional/group tax type lines. With our coming on board, we have changed the orientation and created a new structure that places our only customers—the taxpayers—at the center of our operations. We are now customer-centric.”
True to his word, the FIRS under his leadership is now fully customer-centric in its approach. Taxpayers are treated like kings. The FIRS is now structured according to taxpayers’ turnover thresholds. For instance, if your turnover exceeds N5 billion, you are classified as a large taxpayer; if it is between N1 billion and N5 billion, you are classified as a medium taxpayer; and if your turnover is less and if your turnover is
less than N1 billion, you fall into the small taxpayer category. This restructuring aims to make tax payments seamless and less cumbersome.
Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has established a one-stop shop for taxpayers where all tax types can be paid in one office. Previously, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Stamp Duty offices were separate; now, all obstacles have been removed for customers. “As a large taxpayer, you can simply go to one office to clear your VAT, Withholding Tax, Company Income Tax, and any other taxes you owe. Even audits are conducted within the same facility. The era of multiple audits is gone. People are beginning to feel the impact of the restructuring we have implemented,” Adedeji remarked in the interview.
To enhance service delivery and change taxpayer perceptions, FIRS unveiled a new slogan: “Simplifying Tax, Maximizing Revenue.” This new slogan, which replaced the previous one, “It Pays To Pay Your Tax,” was created to address the fundamental need for continuous improvement in the agency’s customer service practices.
The new slogan, a winner of the Buzzword Initiative, aligns with the customer-centric vision of the new FIRS and was developed by a member of the staff.
To promptly address taxpayer inquiries, the service has also inaugurated a Customer Service Optimization Committee. This initiative aligns with the chairman’s vision for improved services that will change taxpayer perceptions and build trust in the agency. “The committee,” according to the chairman, “will systematically review our current practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that will streamline our processes and enhance overall service delivery.”
Following the organization’s strategic pillars of people, process, and technology, Zacch Adedeji is focusing on workforce development at FIRS. He aims to ensure that at least 80 percent of core duties are performed by his staff due to the confidential nature of their service. Additionally, he has implemented measures to standardize processes and increase service delivery to taxpayers. Recently, Dr. Zacch Adedeji raised the salaries of FIRS staff by 60 percent, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency within the organization.
Understanding that the future of tax administration lies in innovation, Dr. Zacch has led the integration of nine new modules into the TaxProMax system. This step automated over 80 percent of previously manual processes, reducing inefficiencies and streamlining operations for taxpayers across the board.
Whether you’re a large corporation or a small business owner, FIRS now adopts a “One Stop Shop” approach, where tax office operations are fast, transparent, and efficient.
Zacch Adedeji’s commitment to TaxProMax and the strategic implementation of technology in tax collection processes underscore his dedication to innovation in tax administration. His approach to harnessing technological advancements reflects his determination to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of tax procedures. Under his leadership, TaxProMax continues to evolve as a platform that simplifies tax collection while prioritizing transparency and improving the overall taxpayer experience in Nigeria.
FIRS has set ambitious goals under his leadership, aiming to collect an impressive N19.4 trillion in taxes this year. To achieve this, he has assembled a team of high-caliber professionals endowed with technical expertise and a shared commitment to excellence. This team is tasked with implementing revenue collection strategies, leveraging advanced technologies, and utilizing data-driven insights to optimize tax compliance and minimize revenue leakages.
Today, the results speak volumes. FIRS not only exceeded its 2023 revenue goal of N11.55 trillion by collecting a remarkable N12.37 trillion, but it also set a new record in the first quarter of 2024 with N3.94 trillion. This achievement represents a 56 percent increase from the previous year, showcasing the chairman’s exceptional skill in driving revenue growth and establishing new performance milestones.
Another notable achievement under Adedeji’s leadership is the launch of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) with the backing of the ICPC, aimed at combating corruption and upholding integrity in tax administration. More recently, he is leading the National Single Window Project (NSWP), which promises to transform Nigeria’s trade sector with a unified digital platform for import and export activities.
On the legislative front, Dr. Adedeji is advocating for an “emergency fiscal bill” to be presented to the National Assembly, providing much-needed clarity on the government’s fiscal direction. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to creating a more stable and supportive environment for businesses to thrive. He is also pushing for new legislation to regulate Nigeria’s burgeoning cryptocurrency industry.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking through his spokesperson on the occasion of Dr. Zacch’s 46th birthday, remarked: “Zacch is an innovator who consistently turns his creative ideas into change-making actions. He is a disciple of the ‘think-and-do’ school of change-makers. He will reform Nigeria’s tax system for the benefit of Nigerians. Give him a task, and it will be done and done well.”
The President is right. Since his resumption of duty at the FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji has been shaking things up and turning things around. The FIRS under his leadership is poised to surpass its
highly ambitious goals and set new records.
For his sterling performance and leadership excellence, Dr. Zacch Adedeji was honored with the Award for Fiscal Reforms and Innovation at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) 2024.
This annual recognition program, organized in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), celebrates top officials who have made exceptional contributions to public service over the past year. NEAPS is designed to inspire patriotism, promote innovation, and recognize individuals at the forefront of efficient public service delivery.
Recipients of this award are chosen through a rigorous process that evaluates their contributions to their states, communities, and agencies.
Speaking about the award, he stated: “I have received many awards in the past, but I am particularly elated about this one. I see it as a true reflection of the work we have put into the service of our dear nation. It will spur me to continue to deliver more in supporting President Tinubu in revamping the economy and bringing prosperity to the good people of Nigeria.”
