Oyo-born technocrat credited with modernizing Nigeria’s revenue architecture.
Abuja: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, for his transformative leadership and bold revenue reforms, as the technocrat marked his birthday on Thursday.
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Adedeji’s stewardship of the 83-year-old agency, citing innovation, automation, global best practices, and staff upskilling as key drivers of improved revenue performance.
“I salute the NRS Chairman for his visionary and disciplined leadership in restructuring and aligning Nigeria’s revenue architecture,” Tinubu said.
Under Adedeji’s watch, the NRS met its budget targets by the third quarter of 2025, contributing to economic stability and growth. The president also commended the deployment of the National Single Window, which reduced cargo clearance time from 21 days to just one week — a move he described as a game-changer for transparency and efficiency in trade processes.
What sets Adedeji apart, insiders say, is his ability to blend private-sector precision with public-sector pragmatism — a rare trait in Nigeria’s fiscal leadership. His reforms have not only boosted revenue but also reshaped how government agencies interact with digital systems and global trade protocols.
Born in Oyo State, Adedeji’s career spans both corporate and public service. He previously served on Procter & Gamble’s management team, as Commissioner for Finance in Oyo, and later as Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, where he established the National Sugar Institute — a legacy project still referenced in agricultural policy circles.
Before his appointment as NRS Chairman in September 2023, Adedeji was Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, where he laid the groundwork for many of the reforms now being scaled nationally.
President Tinubu concluded by praying for Adedeji’s continued good health, wisdom, and strength to serve the nation.