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Zacch Adedeji on a mission with people-centric reforms

Published

4 months ago

August 13, 2025

By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is becoming more than a government agency. It is not today that we have been saying this, and it will not stop today or anytime soon. It is now being recognised as a partner in national development, driven by reforms that place people at the center and deliver measurable results.

Over the past months, the leadership of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, FIRS, has introduced a series of people-focused changes that have shown a tangible impact on our revenue system and the economy at large.

His work has been based on practical reforms in tax law, improved welfare for staff and citizens, the adoption of technology to streamline processes, stronger teamwork across departments, and a leadership style grounded in clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes.

Just this August, the agency launched an electronic invoicing system for companies with an annual turnover of five billion naira or more. It went live on the first day of the month, and by the second week, about a thousand companies had already joined. Organizations like MTN, Huawei, and IHS are on board. Others have until November 1 to comply. The process is firm, but the rollout has been managed carefully, giving companies enough time to adjust without disruption.

The effects are already showing. Afri Invoice, a local Nigerian company that provides e-invoicing solutions, has created 150 new jobs in seven states to meet the demand. It may seem small, but it serves as proof that one effective policy can open the door to more jobs and economic growth.

Not long after, on August 7, FIRS held its first Research Day. It was not an event for long talks but a day of action and openness. Three (3) main resources were made public. The first was the Tax Revenue Statistical Bulletin, containing more than fifty years of tax data from 1970 to 2022. The second was the official Research Policy, which sets out a framework for conducting transparent and high-quality studies.

The third was the latest volume of the FIRS Journal of Tax Studies, now available online. These materials are open to researchers, journalists, students, policymakers, and anyone who wants to understand our tax history and the direction we are headed.

Step by step, these reforms show that when leadership is focused on people and guided by data, institutions can transform. The work being done at FIRS today is building not only better systems but also trust between the government and the people it serves.

Let’s not forget that under the Tax Boss, tax education and public engagement have also taken a new shape. FIRS has stepped up its outreach to small and medium enterprises, offering guidance on compliance and breaking down processes that once felt complicated and far removed from the everyday business owner.

The agency has also strengthened partnerships with state revenue services, ensuring that both federal and state systems work together rather than compete.

Capacity building for staff has been prioritised, with training programs designed to give them the skills and tools to meet modern tax administration demands. In addition, reforms in dispute resolution have made it faster and easier for taxpayers to settle issues without lengthy court battles, promoting a more cooperative relationship between the agency and the general public. Digital platforms have been improved, meaning that many taxpayers can now register, file, and pay from the comfort of their offices or homes.

Sometimes, you stop and wonder how one person can have so much vision while truly keeping the needs of people in mind. Dr. Zacch understands difficult challenges but never loses sight of those who live them every day. His efforts are effective, making changes that touch many lives.

The progress seen today comes from thoughtful decisions and a commitment to serve others. In a country where many lead for themselves, he leads for the people. When you think about leadership that combines critical thinking with care, the answer is not far-fetched. It can only be him.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Contact@arabinrinaderonke.com

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

5 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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