The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, announced on Thursday that the agency generated an impressive ₦21.6 trillion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its target of ₦19.4 trillion. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the organization, underscoring its commitment to driving economic growth and financial stability in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 strategic management retreat in Abuja, Adedeji highlighted the agency’s achievement, noting that the revenue collection exceeded the set target by 11.34%. The retreat, themed “Building a High-Performing FIRS: Elevating Performance Through Collaboration and Innovation,” was organized to focus on the key areas essential for the effective execution of the 2025 corporate plan. The theme reflects the agency's commitment to fostering a culture of performance improvement through strategic collaboration and the integration of innovative ideas into its operations.
“Together, we closed the chapter of 2024 with an achievement that will forever be recorded in the history of the Federal Inland Revenue Service: the record-breaking generation of ₦21.6 trillion in revenue, surpassing our target of ₦19.4 trillion.
This was no small feat. It was the result of your resilience, professionalism, and dedication, coupled with visionary leadership and a strategic focus on the pillars of people, technology, and processes,” Adedeji remarked with evident pride.
“But let me remind you that this success is not just ours to celebrate. The FIRS is more than a revenue authority; it is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic stability, a vital pillar upholding Nigeria’s progress, and an agent of renewed hope for all Nigerians,” Adedeji said, emphasizing the broader impact of the FIRS’ success on the national economy and the well-being of citizens. He recognized the collective effort of all those involved in the achievement and reaffirmed the crucial role of the FIRS in supporting Nigeria's fiscal health.
For 2025, the FIRS Chairman emphasized the need to build on past achievements with renewed energy, a clear vision, and a well-structured roadmap. Adedeji shared his vision for the future, asserting that the agency’s work is far from over and that the focus must now shift to creating a sustainable framework that ensures continued success in the years ahead.
He stated, “This year, our priority is to strengthen and institutionalize our internal capabilities to ensure long-term resilience and operational excellence.” In doing so, Adedeji underscored the importance of ensuring that the FIRS remains adaptable, efficient, and capable of navigating any challenges that may arise in the dynamic economic environment.
Adedeji described the agency’s 2025 mission as both ambitious and transformative, aiming to establish a world-class tax administration driven by skilled personnel, modernized infrastructure, and innovative technology to enhance efficiency. He emphasized that achieving this mission will require collective effort, investment, and commitment across all departments and divisions of the FIRS.
To achieve this, the FIRS has outlined a strategic roadmap based on three key pillars:
Capacity Building and Training: The agency will focus on equipping its workforce with essential tools, knowledge, and skills to enhance tax administration. Through targeted, high-impact training programs aligned with global best practices, staff will be prepared to handle the complexities of modern tax administration, embrace innovation, and deliver excellent taxpayer services.
Infrastructure and Facility Enhancement: The FIRS will continue to invest in upgrading its physical infrastructure, including modernized offices and sustainable practices. These investments will create an environment that fosters productivity, collaboration, and excellence across the organization.
Technology and Tax Administration Systems: The FIRS plans to expand its integrated tax administration systems, consolidating national collection platforms, leveraging emerging technologies, and improving taxpayer interfaces. These measures will streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall taxpayer experience. By modernizing its systems, the FIRS aims to provide faster, more efficient services to taxpayers and support compliance through digital innovation.
Adedeji emphasized that these initiatives are not just theoretical goals but practical, actionable steps that will be implemented across all groups, departments, and operations within the agency. He assured that each member of the FIRS team will play an essential role in the execution of these strategies, ensuring a coordinated and unified effort to build a stronger, more efficient tax system.
Additionally, on January 15, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance set a revenue target of ₦25 trillion for the FIRS for the 2025 fiscal year. This ambitious goal further reflects the government's trust in the agency's ability to deliver strong financial results and contribute significantly to Nigeria's national development efforts.