Zaccheous, Nigeria’s Tax Collector Facing His Job At 47

BY LERE OLAYINKA

“I am committed to the task before me, and I will not be pursuing any political ambition in 2027.” With the above statement, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zaccheous Adedeji, put to a permanent rest, rumours of his intention to run for the governorship of Oyo State in 2027. 

With the statement too, the Nigeria’s version of the Biblical “Zaccheous The Tax Collector” reaffirmed his commitment and dedication to his duty of shoring up the country’s revenue base, thereby making it self sufficient.

He also demonstrated that he is not one who functions like the proverbial “Ẹni a fi jọba tó tún se oògùn àwúre” (someone who after being made a King, still goes about doing juju for luck).

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, Adedeji said he was focused on the responsibilities of his current role at FIRS.

However, as a leader, who is mindful of the feelings of his followers, Zacch acknowledged that his decision might disappoint some of his supporters, he reaffirmed his dedication to his professional duties.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to respond to a lot of requests. I, Zacch Adedeji will not contest for the governorship election in 2027.

“I know a lot of people would not be happy about this, but everybody knows the responsibility and grace that God has given to us. I was commissioner of finance 14 years ago. And by that time, with the grace of God, we’ve done all of what God wants us to do in the state.

“He has given us that platform. So, the only thing I need from you is your prayers for strength to end well with what I’m doing now. So, I would not want to be distracted.”

Of course, he is not allowing any distraction and his total commitment to his duties is paying off tremendously.

For instance, it is to his credit that non oil revenue has increased significantly and more than 200,000 new taxpayers and over 20 per cent increase in tax compliance were recorded as at September, this year.

It is also to his credit that the tax payment system has been simplified and unified such that taxpayers no longer need to visit FIRS offices. With the click of a button, all tax payments can be made.

Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS simplified tax processes and payments nationwide, making them more convenient and reducing the cost of compliance and administration.

On October 8, 2024, the FIRS under Dr Zacch Adedeji launched a *829# USSD initiative as part of its customer service.

With the *829# USSD initiative, taxpayers now sit in the comfort of their homes and offices to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), view tax types and rates, locate the nearest tax office address and access general tax-related enquiries.

This initiative has no doubt enhanced accessibility and improve service delivery for taxpayers.

Today, there is significant increment in revenue generation, with the Federal Government successfully collecting N1.5 trillion in Education Tax, as against its target of N70 billion.

From the N19.4 trillion earmarked for the fiscal year 2024, N18.5 trillion was collected by the end of September.

Out of N19.4tn targeted for 2024 fiscal year, N18.5tn was realised as of the end of September.

Today, that contended, committed and extremely humble Nigerian is 47.

Even as Chairman of a top Federal Government institution as FIRS, Adedeji, will not look down on anyone. He will respond to my messages by either saying “Egbon, Good Morning Sir or Thank You Sir.”

On a day like this therefore, one cannot but wish such a man a happy birthday, asking God to continue to uphold him in his commitment and dedication to the service of our country, Nigeria.

Olayinka is the Senior Special Assistant to the Federal Capital Territory Minister on Public Communications and New Media