The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has firmly rejected the recent call by the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement (ACYM), for its Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, to step aside pending an investigation into alleged concerns about his “lifestyle.”
In a strongly worded statement, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, described the move as an unfounded and orchestrated attempt to undermine one of the government’s most critical institutions.
“This is a sponsored campaign of calumny against a resourceful, cerebrally adroit man who is navigating Nigeria out of financial doldrums,” Atoyebi said, emphasizing that ACYM had failed to provide any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Adedeji.
She questioned why the group would target “the most vibrant and working sector,” noting that under Adedeji’s leadership, FIRS has revitalised public revenue generation, reduced dependence on borrowing, and strengthened the nation’s progressive tax system.
FIRS’ Achievements Under Adedeji
Atoyebi highlighted several accomplishments attributed to Adedeji, including:
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Plugging significant revenue leakages that had long hindered fiscal growth.
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Surpassing annual revenue targets, contributing to national economic stability.
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Implementing reforms that enhanced staff welfare and morale within the service.
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Strengthening transparency and accountability in tax administration.
She argued that any attack on the FIRS Chairman was effectively an attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, given the pivotal role of revenue mobilisation in the government’s economic agenda.
Call for Investigation Into ACYM’s Motives
Describing ACYM’s actions as a threat to national interest, Atoyebi urged security agencies to investigate the group’s motives, warning that those behind the campaign “qualify as enemies of the state.” She stressed that Adedeji should be allowed to continue his reforms without distraction and that any ambitions to take over the service should wait until the end of his tenure.
The Broader Context
The controversy comes amid ACYM’s call for a forensic investigation into FIRS and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), citing alleged concerns over Adedeji’s lifestyle.
While the group insists its demands are in the interest of accountability, critics argue the campaign is politically motivated and risks undermining ongoing reforms that have bolstered revenue mobilisation and strengthened Nigeria’s fiscal foundations.
Civil society organisations and former government officials have already voiced support for Adedeji, emphasizing that his tenure has been marked by transparency, efficiency, and innovation in tax administration.
As the debate unfolds, the central question remains: can FIRS continue its critical work in revenue mobilisation without being destabilised by politically motivated campaigns?
