FIRS Boss Wins PERA Man Of The Year Award 2024

For leading an agency that is making the biggest revenue available to the tiers of governments, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji Ph.D will this afternoon be awarded the Pacesetter Entertainment and Recognition Award, PERA, 2024 Man of the Year Category.

The ceremony is scheduled for Mauve 21 Events Centre, Ibadan, other eminent citizens and residents of Oyo State will also receive various awards.

PERA, a credible award founded almost a decade ago and dedicated to honouring citizens and residents of Oyo State, in a statement by its chief executive, Rotimi Martins also known as Alariwo of Africa, said it monitors most agencies, parastatals and departments across board. It also recalled that it beams its searchlight on individuals who are making things happen in trying times and found Adedeji worthy of emulation.

He noted that the customer-centric nature of FIRS under Adedeji which has birthed many innovations that have assisted in simplifying tax and maximising revenue, adding that he understands how Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, eagerly awaits figures from the agency monthly.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser (Media) to Nigeria’s revenue boss quoted PERA as adding that since Adedeji’s appointment about 15 months ago, he has committed himself to reengineering the tax system in the country, leading to unprecedented revenue collection in history.

“As you are aware, the Executive Chairman is someone who doesn’t like to be praised for what he is expected to do. When the organizers, led by Mr Rotimi Martins came with the letter, informing him of the decision to accept the nomination, he was not keen until PERA gave reasons why he deserved it.

“According to PERA, Nigeria might found itself in more difficult situation without Zacch Adedeji’s leadership of FIRS at this point. Apart from collection of taxes that has been made easy and the wonderful report at FAAC monthly meeting which has been guiding the committee in taking decisions.

“PERA said it aligns with a recent interview with the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, where she said that before Zacch Adedeji, the contribution of FIRS to FAAC was about 60 percent. It has grown to about 70 percent of the total revenue generated by all the five revenue collecting/generating-agencies. It means that the FIRS alone contributed 70 percent while the other four contributed 30 percent.

“So we are glad to receive this award. The Executive Chairman, in his characteristic manner, is motivated by this honour and he is spurred to do more in the coming years. He thanks and congratulates PERA for this honour and event,” the statement added.