Yunusa Abdullahi, consummate writer, analyst, and author of “Live Before You Leave” and “The Nigeria of My Dream,” often spoke glowingly of his boss at the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

A former media aide to a governor, Yunusa later became the pioneer editor of PRNigeria before moving on to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as spokesperson. He once invited me to a media session with his boss, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, whom he described as a focused and forward-looking leader. In just one year as Executive Secretary of the NSDC in 2022, Adedeji introduced democratic leadership, innovative reforms, and people-centered policies. He respected the legacies of his predecessors, building on existing structures rather than dismantling them. He also enhanced staff welfare, created a positive work environment, advanced sugar self-sufficiency, and ensured industry compliance with the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan and its Backward Integration Programme.

So, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him as Revenue Adviser in 2023, Yunusa, within an hour, penned an insightful brief on his bosss background. A chartered accountant, Adedeji graduated with First Class honours in Management and Accounting, earned a Masters degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, and completed an executive programme at Harvard Kennedy School. His career achievements, especially as Oyo States Commissioner for Finance where he boosted internally generated revenue, positioned him as a technocrat well-suited to strengthen Nigerias fiscal discipline.

Barely three months later, Adedeji faced his toughest challenge yet when he was appointed Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). He wasted no time in proposing bold and aggressive tax reforms that immediately sparked nationwide debate.

Among them was the replacement of FIRS with a new National Revenue Service (NRS), designed to centralize all government revenue collectionincluding oil, customs, and port revenues. While the goal was to streamline processes and eliminate leakages, critics feared it would concentrate excessive power in one institution, rivaling the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Northern governors resisted the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) formula that allocated revenues based on company headquarters rather than consumption. They argued the policy would benefit Lagos and Rivers disproportionately while hurting northern states with high consumption but few corporate head offices.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the South-East, raised concerns over compliance burdens despite the reforms raising the threshold for company income tax from ₦25 million to ₦50 million. Social media further fueled misinformation, prompting clarifications that the new regime would protect low-income earners and foster fairness.

Although the National Economic Council (NEC) advised that the bills be withdrawn for wider consultations, President Tinubu opted to proceed with legislative review and public hearings to incorporate feedback.

To many observers, Adedeji initially appeared aloof and combative. Yet, while criticisms mounted, he refrained from public quarrels, instead quietly engaging stakeholders behind the scenes, often through trusted intermediaries.

I personally witnessed some of these Chatham House-style sessions, including the one hosted by Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairperson of Nigerias Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, where stakeholders fears were addressed. Adedeji emphasized that the reforms were not designed to stifle businesses but to simplify taxation, plug loopholes, and ensure equity. His strategy was straightforward but profound: build understanding first, legislate later.

This approach contrasted sharply with previous reform attempts, where stakeholders were often kept in the dark until policies were rolled out. Adedeji chose the harder but wiser pathnationwide consultations. He met business leaders, tax professionals, policymakers, and the organised private sector, listening carefully and adjusting policies accordingly.

As Olayinka Akintunde, a former Economic Confidential editor, told me, this proactive engagement built trust: Adedeji demystified the tax reforms, showing that reform was about creating a fair, transparent, and efficient system, not imposing burdens.

Adedeji also recognised that taxation cannot thrive without security. For businesses to operate and taxpayers to comply, stability is essential. This understanding informed his outreach to the military and security agencies. His meetings with Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa and other security chiefs underscored the need for safe environments where businesses and taxable activities can flourish.

Equally strategic was his collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Since customs duties, levies, and trade operations are integral to revenue administration, harmonising FIRS and NCS functions became indispensable. Adedejis push for alignment was aimed at eliminating duplication, facilitating trade, and boosting efficiency at the borders.

What sets Adedeji apart is his rare ability to act as a bridge builder. He connects policymakers and businesses, revenue authorities and enforcement agencies, government and citizens. In an era of economic hardship and widespread distrust of government, this bridging role is invaluable. He demonstrates that engagement is not weakness but strength, and that sustainable reform comes from consensus, not coercion.

With the tax bills now signed into law by President Tinubu, Adedejis journey enters a new phase. He understands that the real test of reform lies not in passage but in implementation. Tax policies, no matter how well designed, fail if they are not understood, accepted, and supported by stakeholders. This is why he continues to prioritise dialogue and collaboration.He is proving that Nigerias revenue future rests not only on bold policies but also on leaders who can build bridges across divides and inspire collective ownership of reforms.

By January 2026, the outcomes of Zacch Adedeji’s leadership will begin to unfoldthrough wider acceptance of reforms, higher compliance rates, sustained institutional cooperation, and improved revenue generation. If his bridge-building strategy holds, even reluctant businesses will gradually embrace compliance.

Yushau A. Shuaib
Author of “A Dozen Tips for Media Relations”
yashuaib@yashuaib.com

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The recent submission of four executive bills to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu has sparked intense debate. President Bola Tinubu’s recent submission of four executive tax reform bills to the National Assembly has sparked heated debate. Central to the controversy is Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), whose clarifications on the reforms have yet to clear the air but intensified discussions.

At first glance, the four bills appear to serve distinct purposes: The Nigeria Tax Bill seeks to harmonise various tax laws to reduce multiplicity; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill focuses on standardising tax processes and compliance requirements; the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill aims to replace the FIRS Act and establish a National Revenue Service (NRS) to be responsible for collecting both domestic and international revenues; and the Joint Revenue Board Bill will create a framework for resolving revenue conflicts between states and local governments.

A key aspect of these proposals involves replacing the FIRS with the NRS, which would become a central and most powerful revenue service in the history of Nigeria with the task of being the only agency responsible for collecting all government revenues, including those currently managed by other agencies in oil, customs, and port and other sectors. It will be more powerful and influential than the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria National Petroleum Company NNPC and others.

Another contentious point is the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution model. Under the new framework, states receiving VAT collections would retain significant revenue. However, some northern leaders fear this model will disproportionately benefit states where companies are headquartered rather than those where goods and services are consumed.

In a statement from Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State’s Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, northern governors opposed the proposed derivation-based VAT distribution model, citing concerns that it would disadvantage their states.

They urged National Assembly members to reject any legislation perceived as unfavourable to any region of the country. The communiqu stated: The Forum is concerned by the recent Tax Reform Bill sent to the National Assembly, especially the proposed shift to a derivation-based VAT distribution model, which disadvantages the North.

The governors reaffirmed their commitment to national development while emphasising the need for equity in policy implementation to prevent any geopolitical zone from feeling marginalised.

Consequently, the following day, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, recommended President Tinubu withdraw the Tax Reform Bills from the National Assembly. The NEC convened for its 144th meeting at the State House in Abuja, where state governors and Federal Executive Council members, including Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget and National Planning Minister Abubakar Bagudu, participated.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde remarked that the council recognised the necessity for further understanding and alignment on the bills, emphasising that more comprehensive consultation would be in the nations best interest.

Despite this recommendation by Nigerian governors and federal cabinet members in NEC, President Tinubu asserted that he would not withdraw the proposed tax reform bills. His spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, indicated that the president believes the legislative process should continue, allowing room for input and adjustments through public hearings.

Tinubu remains committed to reforming Nigerias tax system. Through these proposed bills, the government aims to streamline tax administration, enhance efficiency, and align with global best practices. The billsthe Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Billseek to unify tax processes, reduce overlapping responsibilities, and simplify compliance for both businesses and individuals.

It is widely believed that Zacch Adedeji, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), is the driving force behind these reform proposals. His educational background, prior positions, and current role have established him as one of the most influential figures in Tinubu’s administration.

Born on January 8, 1978, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Adedeji graduated with first-class honors in Accountancy from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he also obtained his Masters and PhD in the same field. He began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble (P&G) as Corporate Finance Manager for West Africa and later as Finance Leader for SAP Implementation. He also served as Finance Commissioner in Oyo State under Governor Isiaka Ajimobi (20112015). He was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) by President Muhammadu Buhari before becoming the Executive Chairman of FIRS under President Tinubu.

While his political ambition is fuzzyhaving avoided any major controversysome suspect his positions on tax reform and proposed legislation harbour hidden agendas. In light of these concerns, he proactively engaged with members of the National Assembly following the submission of the bills. He addressed both the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, and the House of Representatives Committee, led by Hon. James Faleke.

Adedeji articulated the reforms’ goals, emphasising the need to harmonise existing tax laws, streamline administration, and align Nigerias tax system with global standards. He conveyed that the reforms aim to consolidate disparate tax laws and enhance transparency while improving efficiency in revenue collection. He highlighted that these changes would modernise Nigerias tax system, adapt to the realities of the digital economy, and position the country attractively for investment. He confirmed that no additional taxes would be introduced, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to not taxing poverty and inflation.

However, until the full details of the bills are made public, speculation will undoubtedly continue. The discrepancy between President Tinubu’s stance and Vice President Shettima-led NEC’s recommendation only adds to the confusion.

The contradictory stance of FEC and NEC is indeed puzzling, especially considering the All Progressive Congress (APC) controls governance at the national and state levels. A unified and diplomatic approach would have been more effective in addressing the tax reform proposals unless the drama was a deliberate script for political purposes.

As the debate continues, Adedejis true intentions and the broader impact of these reforms on Nigerias economy remain in question. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the nation’s economic trajectory.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential. yashuaib@yashuaib.com

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Media reports about invasions of business premises by the taskforce of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) could be worrisome. The enforcement exercise by the tax compliance team in shutting down tax-defaulting companies and ordering staffs out of the premises is quite discouraging.

A mere visit by tax team easily runs shiver into the marrow of business owners because of the reported gestapo-style invasions by official tax-collectors akin to the overzealous antics of anti-corruption and security agencies to embarrass and shame their victims to public ridicule.

We were discussing the attitudes of the tax enforcers, when coincidentally our security-man at the gate announced, through the intercom, the sudden arrival of members of FIRS taskforce. As young business owners we were perplexed but still had the courage to ask that the officers should be ushered in.

Surprisingly, this particular team from the FIRS looked more humane and courteous. In a friendly atmosphere, they started by stating how the FIRS operates a transparent and an efficient tax system that optimises tax revenue collection and voluntary compliance. They added that the agency, under its current Chairman, Babatunde Fowler, has delivered quality services to taxpayers in partnership with all stakeholders and in making taxation the pivot of national development.

They also revealed that majority of taxable adults never pay tax, while most companies in Nigeria have neither registered with the FIRS for the mandatory Companies Income Tax nor up-to-date with tax filings.

They then went ahead to discuss the tax liabilities of our firm for reconciliation. Meanwhile in between our discussion, national issues as regards taxation were discussed. The leader of the team disclosed that with the poor revenue from the Federation Account which is largely sourced from crude oil sales, the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is looking for other sources of revenue to execute capital projects and provide social services for the people.

We were shocked to realise that corporate organisations are mandated to pay various taxes and levies to boost the revenue of government. Apart from the popular Value Added Tax (VAT), the team disclosed that some major taxes to be paid include Personal Income Tax; Companies Income Tax; Withholding Tax; Education Tax; Stamp Duties; Capital Gains Tax and National Information Technology Development Fund Levy among others. More alarming is the fact that young employers of labour are also compelled to pay taxes on each staff they employed.

We interjected by saying that the government was not doing enough to warrant receiving different taxes and levies from the young business owners who are yet to grow fully. We queried the justification for multiple taxation when individuals and corporate organisations have to provide everything for themselves without palliatives from the same government. Apart from paying heavy tariffs for epileptic power and water supply, Nigerians now pay more for petrol, diesel and kerosene for the electricity supply, transportation and basic human needs.

In the face of the ominous hardship, ordinary citizens and corporate organisations have no option than to resort to providing their private security for protection of life and property; private water through boreholes; private electricity through Electricity Inverter and Solar energy; private healthcare system to remain alive and healthy and private school arrangements through exorbitant fees for their wards. In some cases, residents jointly contribute funds for road constructions without any subsidy from the government.

We also cited example of how some states, in their desperation to squeeze the meagre resources of their residents and business owners, demand nebulous taxes and levies on frivolities. A state in Nigeria recently introduced electricity generators tax to ‘maintain ozone layer,’ while other have been alleged to have introduce levies for marriage, new baby and corpses. The evidence of such tax-collections are only obvious in the jumbo remuneration packages and ostentatious lifestyle of political office holders.

While the taskforce team listened with rapt attention to our concerns, they nevertheless pointed out that taxpayers have the moral and legal right to demand a culture of accountability once they paid their taxes promptly. We also agreed on the necessity of diversification of the economy from mono-product to other sectors like improved investment in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing and entertainment industry through enabling environment that motivate willing taxpayers.

Though we enjoyed the convivial atmosphere of our discussion, it is necessary to point out that businesses have negative reactions to tax policy because there are no adequate public awareness campaigns to motive taxpayers to respond positively by paying willingly. The right message should be disseminated on a flexible tax system that is easily understood. Tax payers must be encouraged to smile while paying their taxes not frowning their faces and silently cursing bullying tax-collectors. Therefore, the task of growing tax revenue must be pursued with a human face and sustainability in focus.

The government must also streamline the number of taxes and levies that will be permitted within the economy. The prevalence of multiplicity of taxes at all levels of government is the bane of our economy. Tax laws should also be regularly reviewed to minimise avoidable and untoward hardships to taxpayers. The process of tax compliance should be simplified while tax burden is reduced, especially for small businesses.

It is interesting to note that not all tax-collectors are arrogant, power-drunk and extremely overzealous in their collection exercise, some are professional, well-mannered, decent and mindful of their social responsibility of convincing taxpayers on the necessity of compliance.

Yushau A. Shuaib
www.yashuaib.com
yashuaib@yahoo.com

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One of the major reasons some of us believe strongly in ability of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala was the way and manner she carried major players both from the North and the South along while she were Minister of Finance between 2003 to 2006. She were never accused of discrimination or bias against any of the diverse groups of the ethnically charged and religiously polarized nation. The same will be said of her then principal, Olusegun Obasanjo who, despite some of his shortcomings will never be accused of tribalism. He is a detribalized leader and a nationalist to the core who believe strongly in the Nigeria project.

The choice of her nominees into top public appointments and even the composition of her associates cut across every segment of Nigeria including those in her Economic Team like Nasir Elrufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Bode Agusto, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar and Chukwuma Soludo among others.

Her achievements too were glaring. We recall that in 2005 she led Nigeria to striking a deal with the Paris Club, a group of bilateral creditors, to pay a portion of Nigeria’s external debt amounting US $12 billion in return for an $18 billion debt write-off.

She ensured transparency in monthly federation account allocation by the introduction of monthly publication of the disbursements in selected media. She was instrumental to helping Nigeria obtain its first ever sovereign credit rating (of BB minus) from an international ratings agency. Even when she left the government in 2006, her nongovernmental organisation, NOI Global Consulting, partnered with the Gallup Organization to introduce what may be described as the first credible opinion poll, the NOI poll, into the Nigerian polity.

With these at the background, it was not surprising that when she were reappointed by President Jonathan as Finance Minister and when she were shortlisted for the post of President of the World Bank in 2012, she received overwhelming support from all Nigerians. An online publication even claimed that some Northern Mallams were praying for her success in the mosques. Everyone at that period believed that she were a detribalized Nigerian with real-world experience of policy-making.

The reason for writing this write-up is to alert her to some disturbing trends as regards some recent appointments into top public offices in Nigeria in view of their economic and political implications. As the most powerful minister and an Igbo Princess from the Niger Delta by virtue of being a daughter of Obi of Ogwashi-Uku community in Delta State, I believe she should continue to live above board.

Recently the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) made some disturbing allegations of ethnic cleansing of Yoruba in federal appointments by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Wife of the sage, Chief HID Awolowo and the retired Bishop of Akure, Rt. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi in Ikenne Ogun State after the meeting of the forum accused the administration of systematically excluding the Yoruba nation from the federation in terms of appointments without justification. They called on the government to redress the “systematic discrimination” against the Yoruba nationality in federal appointive positions without delay, saying that the Yoruba have been getting “crumbs” from the administration.

No sooner than the Yoruba allegation was made that the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) also publicly lamented gaping marginalization against the North over appointments and promotions in the military. According to these distinguished Nigerians, there are lopsidedness in employment and postings in the Nigerian Army in favour of the Igbos, which is clearly in the breach of the principle of Federal Character.

She should be aware that many Nigerians are referring to a book, ‘Chinua Achebe Teacher of Light’ which she co-authored where she expressed bitterness about how her tribe was dealt with before, during and after the civil war and insinuating that now that she is in authority, she is determined to correct all that she perceived as injustice against her people. Some even insist that what she is doing now is promoting regional and ethnic agenda to the detriment of other groupings in Nigeria by manipulating appointments.

To drive the point home, her name has been lately mentioned as collaborating with another Igbo top ranking appointee in government to ensure the reinstallation of Ms Arunma Oteh as Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) despite the glaring allegations against her and consistent calls by the National Assembly for her removal. Okonjo-Iweala stood her ground, damning all and today, Oteh remains in the position.

While the debate on Oteh’s saga was yet to subside, a coalition of youths, led by human rights activist and President of Civil Rights Congress, Shehu Sani, queried the rationale behind the appointment of a new Chairman for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) when a northerner, Kabir Mashi was already in the position and improving the revenue base of the agency, especially VAT collection for the Federation Account. Under Mashi FIRS has continued to record steady increases in the collection of taxes that it closed the 2012 financial year with a total collection of N5 trillion where N1.8 trillion (36.07 per cent) came from non-oil taxes.

The group claimed that the committee that Okonjo-Iweala set up was a smokescreen just to give a semblance of due process and fairness whereas it was populated mainly by her Igbo kinsmen. They added that “We don’t believe there is transparency in the process, and we caution the President against the excessive ceding of his own power to the finance minister.”

They publicly criticized her of playing an ethnic game with many of the appointments made in the country since she returned to the saddle. Some of the other positions, they alleged, which were created and filled during this period include those of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Sovereign Wealth Fund, Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and even the recent appointment of a 40 year old lady as Director General of National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

People are wondering at the coincidence of only Igbos beating every other person at competitive interviews conducted by her nominated international consulting groups. The only semblance of federal character principle in some of those institutions is the appointment of ceremonious but temporary chairmen who are merely figure-heads, with mandates for mere advisory roles.

The use of catchy phrases such as “best brains,” “foreign trained,” and “foreign-based” to deprived qualified, competent and experienced Nigerians to aspire to top positions is quite inimical to the progress of our nation. The erroneous impression that some competitive and sensitive positions can only be filled by unique intelligent tribes must be corrected.

Experiences have shown that in practical situations, some so-called foreign trained and bookish first class graduates could not do better than other Nigerians who have the competence and experience to prove their worth in most difficulty terrains.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala should also note that blatant disregard to the sensitivities and sensibilities of others while arrogantly promoting only people from her tribe may expose them to hatred with potentially explosive consequences such as those experienced in the 1960s when most federal positions were occupied by a particular tribal group.

For those of us who still respect the Hon Minister of Finance and Economic Development, we strongly believe she should dissociate herself from current allegations of ‘biafranization’ of top public offices in Nigeria. We are in democratic government where policy issues should not be done in dictatorial manner of ‘we-are-now-in-power’.

I therefore urge her to ensure that appointments into important positions should be done in credible and transparent manners that can withstand public scrutiny. I believe strongly that only those that mean well will dare to tell the truth on the general feeling in the country.

Yushau A. Shuaib
www.yashuaib.com

This article by Yushau A Shuaib has been published in national dailies including, National Mirror, Blueprint, Leadership, Peoples Daily, Daily Trust, it has also appeared on Sahara reporters, Daily Post, Premium Time, Economic Confidential, Eagle News, Nigeria Viallage Square, etc….

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