The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Zaccheus Adedeji as the substantive chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
This development occurred on Tuesday after a thorough screening process by the committee of the whole in the upper legislative chamber.
Adedeji assumed the role of acting chair of the tax agency in September, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for Muhammad Nami to proceed on a three-month pre-retirement leave.
During the screening process, Adedeji received more commendations than inquiries from the senators.
Responding to a question posed by Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, the new FIRS chair emphasized the potential for utilizing the national identification number (NIN) for effective and efficient taxation.
He stated, “[We will] develop the data to make the decisions. If NIN is tied to Rolls Royce or Bentley, you will tell us who gifted you. You can’t have a Bentley and have a tax clearance of N100,000.”
Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who represents Anambra South, lauded Adedeji’s competence, citing his leadership at Harvard and his track record of implementing reforms. “I met him in Harvard, and he led the class. He has led reforms. What are we going to ask him? He should take a bow and go,” Uba stated.
Additionally, Senator Sunday Katung of Kaduna South expressed his support, saying, “We interacted with him during our retreat. He is sound. He should be allowed to take a bow and go.”
Meanwhile, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, highlighted the progress made by the FIRS since Adedeji assumed leadership of the organization.
