CSOs apologise to FIRS Chairman over false corruption allegations

A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations has formally tendered a public apology to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, after investigations revealed that earlier corruption allegations made against him were unfounded.

The apology comes weeks after a protest at the National Assembly by the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD), during which Dr. Adedeji and other senior FIRS officials were accused of financial misconduct.

However, following a review and fact-checking of the claims, the CSOs admitted that the allegations were based on inaccurate and unverified information.

In a joint statement released in Abuja, the coalition expressed regret over the misinformation and the embarrassment caused to Dr. Adedeji, his family, and the FIRS.

“We have now confirmed that the information we relied upon during the protest was inaccurate and not properly verified.

“We sincerely apologise to Dr. Zacch Adedeji for any harm, embarrassment, or misunderstanding caused by the claims. We also commend his exemplary leadership, integrity, and the reforms he has championed at the FIRS,” the group said.

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The statement was jointly signed by nine civil society leaders, including Dr. Emeka Mbonu (Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria),
Chief (Mrs.) Osondu Chinelo (Citizens’ Rights International),
Dr. Oluwaseun Ayotomiwa (Advocacy for Good Governance),
and Amb. Eyitayo Olukayode (Centre for Leadership and Educational Development).

Others are Hajia Zainab Mohammed (Africa Patriotic Development Mission),
Dr. Usman Aliyu Yahaya (Zero Tolerance and Anti-Corruption Network),
Princess Doubra Abadi-Ingobo (Network Against Poverty in Africa Campaign),
Eduvie Samuel Efe (Campaign Against Corruption International),
and Comrade Otokpa Echechofu Philip (Network for the Advancement of Democracy in Africa).

The coalition noted that since assuming office, Dr. Adedeji has introduced far-reaching reforms that have strengthened transparency, improved revenue collection efficiency, and reduced leakages within the FIRS.

Under his leadership, the Service surpassed its revenue targets in consecutive years, generating N12.36 trillion in 2023 against a target of N11.55 trillion, and collecting N21.7 trillion in 2024, exceeding the N19.7 trillion projection. Between September 2023 and August 2025 alone, the FIRS recorded N46 trillion in revenue — representing 115 percent of its targets.

These achievements were attributed to the introduction of digital solutions such as the TaxPro-Max platform, e-Invoicing systems, USSD tax services, and the National Single Window Project, which have simplified tax processes and enhanced compliance.

Dr. Adedeji has also focused on raising Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio to align with the African average and reduce dependence on oil revenue.

The CSOs pledged that future engagements and advocacy efforts would be based on verified information to avoid misrepresentation and unnecessary harm to public officials and institutions.

“We hereby withdraw our earlier claims in their entirety and reaffirm our respect for Dr. Adedeji’s leadership and service to the nation,” the statement added.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE