Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), marks his 47th birthday as a man whose life story is defined by grace, excellence, and transformation. From humble beginnings in Iwo Ate, Oyo State, Zacch’s journey is a testament to God’s ability to elevate those who seek to make a difference. Raised by a cocoa farmer father and a trading mother, Zacch was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he was destined for a global stage.
Despite growing up without privileges, Zacch excelled in his studies, first achieving a distinction in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic in Ede, and later graduating with First Class honors from Obafemi Awolowo University. His brilliance as an accountant caught the attention of Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he saved the company millions and was promoted to Corporate Finance Manager for West Africa.
In 2009, a chance encounter with the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi altered his career trajectory. Mentored by Ajimobi, Zacch transitioned from the private sector to the public sector, becoming the Finance Commissioner for Oyo State at just 33. His tenure saw significant growth in the state’s revenue, and he became known for his ability to streamline financial processes and block leaks.
Zacch’s reputation continued to grow, leading to his appointment as Special Adviser on Revenue to President Bola Tinubu. His deep knowledge of tax systems eventually led him to head FIRS, where he has implemented transformative changes. Under his leadership, FIRS exceeded revenue targets, surpassing ₦19 trillion in 2023 and setting ambitious goals for 2024.
What sets Zacch apart, however, is his humility. Despite his impressive achievements, he remains grounded, interacting effortlessly with people across all walks of life. His humility was evident in a personal anecdote where, in 2017, he shared a hotel room with a colleague, simply because the last room was available.
At 47, Zacch Adedeji’s future looks even brighter. His leadership philosophy, grounded in care and service, positions him to continue his remarkable journey of excellence. May God continue to strengthen him in good health and wisdom as he shapes the future of Nigeria’s tax system.
