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The Chief of Staff and Media Adviser to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi, Kayode Odunaro, has been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Osorun title holder is one of the kingmakers in the ancient kingdom.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after he was installed at the weekend by the Onisaga of Isaga-Orile Kingdom, Oba Joseph Oladele Olusoji Tella, Odunaro, explained that the chieftaincy title belonged to his lineage, adding that the position was last held by his uncle who died in 1988, having been installed in 1958.

He stated further that the title would bring him closer to his roots and participate more in activities of Isaga traditional council, particularly in the selection of a new traditional ruler in the town.

Odunaro, who is also the Baa’royin of Imala Kingdom, said though he holds other traditional titles, the latest one is unique and it will demand high responsibility from him.

While expressing his appreciation to Oba Tella, Isaga-Orile Traditional Council and the Osorun Family, the erstwhile Chief Press Secretary to former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, declared that he would bring the experience he had garnered as the spokesperson to three past administrations in Ogun, to bear on the new title.

‘I am delighted that I have just been installed as the Osorun of Isaga-Orile Kingdom. This is a very important traditional title in the kingdom as Osorun is one of the kingmakers.

‘The title belongs to our family; my late uncle was installed in 1958 and held the title till he passed in 1988. So, for decades, there was a vacancy in the position of Osorun. Therefore, I am highly elated that I am feeling the vacant position today after so many years of interregnum.

‘For me, it is a higher call to traditional responsibility and I will ensure that I bring experiences I garnered over the years as spokesperson of three administrations, both military and civilian in Ogun, to bear in this new title. Like I have done in public service, I will use this Osorun title to contribute to the growth and development of the Isaga-Orile Kingdom,’ Odunaro submitted.

Tragedy struck in Ogun State on Friday night when a Dangote Cement truck rammed into a tricycle, killing all five occupants at the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto-Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.

According to Akinbiyi, the accident involved an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck with registration number GRZ 767 XA. Preliminary findings indicated that the truck lost its brakes before crashing into the tricycle.

‘A fatal road traffic accident occurred at Alapoka Village, Papalanto-Ilaro Road, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State on Friday at 8:25 p.m. The tricycle was conveying five people, and sadly, all five died on the spot,’ Akinbiyi said.

Quoting an eyewitness, he added that the truck driver was unaware of the collision until its tyres had already crushed the tricycle and its passengers.

On receiving the report, TRACE Acting Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, led a rescue operation to the scene. However, the team reportedly faced hostility from angry residents before the intervention of the Amotekun Corps restored calm.

‘The presumed dead were taken to the morgue by Federal Road Safety Corps officials,’ Akinbiyi added.

In any functioning democracy, political parties are more than just vehicles for winning general elections. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, and for many politicians, that is precisely what the parties are for. After the elections, it is typical for these politicians to disappear and only resurface during the next election cycle when they once again need the party platform to contest. Like Senator Ibrahim Lamido, they are also notorious for abandoning the funding of the party to the more committed members.

Even if the Electoral Act is amended to allow for independent candidacy, only very few politicians in Nigeria can win elections based solely on their personal popularity or strength. Again, for certain individuals such as Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was essential to his electoral success. He reportedly lost his polling unit, ward and local government, due to his unpopularity. He was saved by the other local government areas.

The question that then arises is: why has Senator Lamido turned against the APC, the party that generously gave him its platform to actualize his political ambitions? It is also a known fact that without Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, the Chairman of the APC Sokoto State Chapter, who introduced him to Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Governor Ahmed Aliyu, he wouldn’t have emerged as the candidate, let alone win the general elections. It’s worth noting that Senator Lamido hasn’t controverted this fact or disclosed the crime of those who in the first place made his election possible.

If Senator Lamido has legitimate concerns, he has failed to present any concrete and coherent grievances and it’s not surprising that he has no case to pursue through the internal dispute resolution mechanisms available to him. This pattern of unconstructive behavior does not suggest any principled disagreement, but rather the tantrum of a politician out of his depth. His numerous statements remain vague, emotionally charged, and devoid of actionable substance.

And assuming Senator Lamido has and is dissatisfied with the manner his complaints have been handled by the various organs of the party, is attempting to factionalize the party his best option? But one thing is certain and that’s that Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s efforts at factionalizing the party is a huge joke.

But why are Nigerian political parties unable to discipline their recalcitrant members, unlike the African National Congress (ANC)? Or is it because most Nigerian political parties were formed around elections and have no history of long-term struggles? And the fact that they tend to emerge, collapse, or mutate based on political convenience rather than any long-term vision which makes loyalty to parties often nonexistent and mostly transactional? The African National Congress (ANC) is definitely stronger and more cohesive than most Nigerian parties, which many believe has to do with the ANC’s deep historical roots as a liberation movement that fought against apartheid for decades. And the fact that many members of the ANC see it as more than a party, but as a historical institution.

Were it in South Africa, the ANC would have wasted no time recalling Senator Ibrahim Lamido from the Senate. The ANC has proven that it has the capacity by recalling Presidents Thabo Mbeki in 2008 and Jacob Zuma in 2018 when their leadership threatened the ANC’s unity and reputation. It’s also a known fact that members of the ANC unquestioningly fall in line with party decisions even when they vehemently disagree with such decisions, because of the obvious and clear consequences.

Nigerian parties, on the other hand, struggle to enforce discipline even when as in the case of Senator Lamido his actions are a flagrant violation of the APC’s constitution, bad publicity for the party, and a distraction from the accomplishments of the Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto administration.

According to Article 21(a)(iii) of the APC Constitution (2014, as amended), anti-party activities or actions that bring the party into disrepute are grounds for disciplinary action. Senator Lamido’s conduct, especially his public statements against the party leadership, falls within this definition. The other offences against the party’ include anti-party activities, actions likely to bring the party into disrepute, and factionalism.

What is needed is an urgent enforcement of the party constitution, which has the necessary provisions needed to strengthen and for managing disagreements. The era of failing to resolve grievances within the party and putting the party in a bad light should be over. These political shenanigans must no longer be tolerated.

The question is why hasn’t the APC Sokoto State Chapter triggered this constitutional provision? First is the peaceful nature of Governor Aliyu, Senator Wamakko, and Isa Achida, the party Chairman. This explains why, for a very long time, the party had largely ignored his antics. The other reason is that Senator Lamido, despite his media activities, is not considered a political threat. His inability to gather meaningful support or command influence within the party structure is why the party has continued to see his actions as that of a political nuisance. His so-called ‘faction,’ if one can call it that, has been operating mostly on the pages of some newspapers and new media platforms.

But even tolerable distractions have their limits, hence the recent ‘bomb’ by the party chairman. The breaking point came when Senator Ibrahim Lamido reportedly crossed the line by publicly insulting Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the very man whose political machinery made his election possible. The insult was a red line the party could no longer ignore. In Sokoto and across the APC, Wamakko is not just a political leader he is an institution. Disparaging him was not merely an act of disrespect; but a direct assault on the party’s foundation in the state and a reckless provocation.

What makes Senator Lamido’s case even more interesting is that in the Senate, he has failed to live up to the expectations of his constituents and the party. Many believe that his unprovoked attack on the party is a distraction from his failures. For instance, he is not known to have made any tangible contribution on the floor of the Senate or in any of the committees he belongs to. There is no doubt that his legislative record is uninspiring. Despite Nigeria facing serious health problems and Senator Lamido chairing the committee with oversight functions over critical public health institutions, he has woefully failed to leverage his position to legislate for better primary healthcare, or disease prevention measures.

Rather than distinguishing himself as a serious lawmaker, he has settled into the role of a benchwarmer, wasting a golden opportunity to bring positive impact to his constituents.

According to the National Assembly’s legislative monitoring portal, Senator Lamido has not sponsored a single bill since assuming office, or moved any motion.

Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s conduct and poor representation raise important questions about political parties support candidates for elections. Based on his work experience, he looked like a good material, but like they say: the hood does not make the monk. Going forward, the APC and indeed all the other political parties must begin to prioritize character, competence, and party discipline when supporting candidates. The era of fielding candidates based purely on ‘hope’ that their educational background and work experience will translate into performance must give way to a new standard rooted in loyalty, tested capacity, and a genuine desire to serve.

Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s descent from political beneficiary to internal saboteur is both regrettable and instructive. It reflects the risks political parties face when individuals are elevated without the necessary grounding in ideology, loyalty, or political maturity.

The APC Sokoto State Chapter has a responsibility to ensure that politics is not reduced to ambition without responsibility or power without purpose. The governor it supported is an example of a candidate who deserved the party’s support. Without party discipline, there will be utter lawlessness. It must wield the big stick, because only then can it preserve party unity, and the strength needed to lead both party and state into a more stable and prosperous future. Members must play by the rules.

Political parties are the institutional backbone of governance. They provide ideological direction, policy continuity, and the structure through which elected officials emerge and operate. When individuals exploit these platforms for personal advancement and then turn against them after securing office, they not only betray the party but also undermine the trust of the electorate. Unfortunately, Senator Ibrahim Lamido is fast becoming a textbook example of this growing problem.

The mass media must avoid amplifying and elevating every political noise as a political crisis. Sensational coverage of intra-party conflict, devoid of critical interrogation, only encourages politicians like Senator Ibrahim Lamido to use the press as a platform for personal battles. Similarly, citizens must demand more from Senator Lamido their representative and not just his presence in the media, but performance on the floor of the Senate and delivery of services to his constituencies.

Rightfully, while Senator Ibrahim Lamido courts controversy, the APC-led administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu should remain focused on delivering its electoral promises. Thankfully, across the state, infrastructure projects are progressing, healthcare reforms are taking shape, and educational initiatives are being expanded.

Oba John Adinlewa, the Olugoba of Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, The Nation can report.

The incident occurred during a cultural festival when a group of armed hoodlums invaded the monarch’s palace, wielding firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, with the intent to wreak havoc.

Sources disclosed that the attackers, who stormed the community in commando style, violently assaulted the monarch, his wife, and several indigenes.

Properties worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed in the chaos.

Confirming the attack in a statement yesterday, the spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said ten suspects had been apprehended in connection with the assassination attempt.

Ayanlade stated that while the royal father narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault, one of his chiefs, Mrs Ogunoye Oluomo, was severely injured and dispossessed of her belongings during the attack.

According to him, ‘Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, promptly deployed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area. Led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the tactical team effected the arrest of ten suspects.’

He added that the arrested suspects had confessed to their roles in the attack and would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

Items recovered from the suspects include two locally fabricated pistols, one single-barreled gun, several rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, knives, machetes, and other dangerous weapons used during the attack.

Ayanlade also disclosed that injured victims are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

He assured that normalcy had been restored to the Igoba community, with security presence reinforced to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The Police Commissioner, according to him, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The Abuja Youth Forum has called for enhanced security measures across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure the safety of residents.

The group, led by Comrade Ayuba Danladi, expressed concern over recent security incidents in the capital, including the killing of Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) FCT chapter, who was abducted alongside his children in Kubwa.

His children are still missing.

The forum also cited the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise News anchor who lost her life during a robbery incident at her Katampe residence last week.

Highlighting the developments, the forum said there was a need for renewed focus on security to safeguard lives and property in Abuja.

It also noted reports of robberies, car thefts, and vandalism of public infrastructure in some parts of the city.

Danladi urged the FCT Administration and security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting residents and to work closely with community stakeholders, including youth groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.

He emphasised that community-based policing, regular communication between authorities and residents, and rapid response to distress situations would go a long way in improving public safety.

The group further pledged its support to collaborate with security agencies and other stakeholders to help restore and maintain peace across the capital.

Chinaza Eziaghighala’s novella Chimera follows Yetunde, Amaka, Inyene, and others on the campus of a college of medicine that is unmistakably MedLag. We watch as they grapple with various challenges and display their flaws in all their messy glory and grandeur.

It is narrated in the first person by Amaka, Inyene, and Inspector Babajide, whose voices are presented with unflinching artistry.

At the beginning of the book, we meet Amaka at a Lagos market, amid all the chaos and confusion. Through her, we are introduced to Mama, her grandmother, who raises her after her parents’ death; Yetunde, her friend; and Inyene, her boyfriend, who soon reveals that his eyes are on Amaka. He makes flirtatious moves whenever his girlfriend is not around, moves that stir strange feelings in Amaka, feelings she dares not express for fear of shattering Yetunde’s happiness.

Inyene’s advances towards Amaka make some sense when he says: ‘I had not fully understood what happened, because what I last remembered was booze, weed, colours, and a blasted headache. When I saw Yetunde instead of Amaka, I knew it had happened again, even though I didn’t intend for it to happen this way. I had only skipped about a week’s dose, which wasn’t that much in my opinion; therefore, I didn’t expect this to happen, not so soon anyway.’

Still, we are left with questions, especially about what makes him confuse one friend for the other. The suspense deepens when Yetunde, whose parents live abroad, turns up in the hospital after an attempted suicide. But it doesn’t end there. Upon leaving the hospital, she disappears, and the search for her gives the plot new wings, forcing us to journey through the nooks and crannies in pursuit of this young woman whose life brims with mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

The police soon step in. Inspector Babajide is given the mandate to unravel the circumstances surrounding Yetunde’s disappearance. His daughter, Rita, attends the same school and he feels led to find the missing girl because she could have been his daughter. He goes after Amaka, Inyene, and Ahmed and makes life ‘unbearable’ for them. His discovery breaks hearts and engenders disappointment. Fingers of guilt point at Inyene, but he insists the fingers are pointing in the wrong direction.

As we get closer to the last pages, we are left with no choice but to praise the author for treating themes so heavy with ingenuity. We confront a chimera, that phenomenon of seeing things that exist in the imagination but are impossible in reality.

But Chimera is more than a story of individual breakdowns; it is a magical tale. It also holds a mirror up to a society that refuses to acknowledge the fragility of the mind.

The college setting, with its intense academic competition, substance use, and unspoken emotional burdens, echoes the wider realities faced by young Nigerians striving to ‘succeed’ in a system that rarely allows them to falter.

The market and street scenes also give the author the latitude to run veiled commentaries about the state of infrastructure, especially roads, in Lagos. The persistent darkness also provides the opportunity to comment on what a disappointment the power supplier has become.

The role of religion in our society doesn’t escape the author’s attention. When the pastor visits Inyene in a cell complete with oil and claims of ‘casting out demons’, it seems to reflect a deeply ingrained social reality in Nigeria (and across much of Africa): spiritual interpretations of mental illness often take precedence over medical ones.

This is not just a critique of religion but also an acknowledgment of the power dynamics at play: elders, family members, and spiritual leaders exert pressure, often overriding the agency of the person in crisis.

Meanwhile, Inspector Babajide embodies an older generation’s attempt to restore order without fully grasping the psychological chaos beneath it.

In Chimera, Eziaghighala combines medical insight and fantasy with literary craft to produce a haunting narrative that blurs the line between the real and the unreal.

In smooth prose, she serves us a delicious dish about the human mind and age-old culture.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by businessman Abubakar Ismaila Isa Funtua, who alleged that his 43 million shares were transferred without his consent to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operators of 9mobile.

Delivering judgment on September 24, Justice Mohammed Umar held that Isa, the lone plaintiff, lacked the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action against the nine defendants.

The defendants were: Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadejia, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, EMTS, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), LH Telecommunication Limited, and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma.

Isa, through his counsel Femi Atteh (SAN), had commenced the suit on December 27, 2024, seeking 11 reliefs, including a declaration that he was the beneficial owner of the disputed shares allegedly held in trust for him by Seltrix Ltd in Teleology Nigeria Ltd.

However, the third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth defendants, represented by Michael Aondakaa, SAN, C.I. Okpoko (SAN), R.O. Atabo (SAN), A.T. Kohol, and C.C. Ogbonna, filed a joint preliminary objection dated February 5, urging the court to dismiss the case for want of jurisdiction and as an abuse of court process.

After reviewing arguments from all parties, Justice Umar upheld the objection, ruling that Isa failed to show any legal interest in the subject matter.

Justice Umar held: ‘I carefully perused the said exhibit to see if the allegation of the plaintiff is substantiated, I did not find any.

‘Nowhere was there any figure of the 43,000,000 million ordinary shares held in trust for the plaintiff by the first defendant mentioned.

‘In fact, the second defendant denied any business dealings with the plaintiff and these facts were not controverted by the plaintiff.

‘The said exhibits cannot by any imagination constitute a trust to confer locus standi on the plaintiff.

‘The said exhibits were tendered by the plaintiff, but nowhere did it link the plaintiff to his claims to enable him to institute an action on the facts alleged therein.’

The court held that the plaintiff failed to establish the facts he asserted and to link his claims to the exhibits he himself tendered by virtue of averment in this suit.

‘I find that the objectors have adequately countered the said exhibits in their reply on points of law in tandem with the law that failure to respond to a counter affidavit is deemed to be an admission,’ Justice Umar held.

In the final analysis, the judge added: ‘I resolve the issue of locus standi against the plaintiff, and the law is that where a plaintiff has been adjudged to lack locus standi, it does not matter what other issues have been raised for determination in the suit.’

The court noted that since the plaintiff lacked the capacity to institute the action, there was no need to make a pronouncement on grounds two to nine (2-9) of the third, fourth, fifth, eighth and ninth defendants’ Notice of Preliminary Objections, which included claims that the suit was statute-barred, incompetent, and that Isa was a ‘meddlesome interloper’ seeking to frustrate the operations of EMTS.

‘I, therefore, make an order striking out this action for lack of locus standi of the plaintiff. This is the Order of this Court,’ the judge added.

The case was marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024.

Community heads in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have thrown their weight behind the Osogbo Elders Council, insisting that the 2026 governorship ticket of the major political parties must be zoned to Osogbo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the state governorship election.

Despite Osogbo’s historical role as a decisive voting bloc in Osun politics since its days as part of old Oyo State, no indigene of the Osogbo has ever been elected governor in the 34 years of the state’s existence.

Speaking on Oroki Asala, a current affairs programme on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio, the Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman of the Council of Baales in Osogbo, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, emphasized that the town is now more united than ever on the demand to produce Governor.

He credited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, for establishing the Osogbo Action Committee and the Osogbo Elders Council to end political divisions that had previously weakened the chances of Osogbo.

High Chief Ibrahim stressed that the efforts of the Ataoja have already yielded results, with Osogbo speaking in one voice ahead of 2026. ‘The Elders Council has successfully united all Baales in Osogbo. As Chairman of the Council of Baales, I affirm that we stand solidly behind them in this call for an Osogbo indigene to emerge as governor. We will play our part to make it happen,’ he said.

Similarly, Prince Adeleke Oduola Ibiloye, Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, reiterated that Osogbo’s long-standing support for other towns must now be reciprocated. ‘We have stood firmly behind others in the past. It is now time for the rest of Osun to support Osogbo. The 2026 governorship slot should be ours, and we are determined to actualize it,’ he declared.

With prominent Osogbo indigenes already eyeing tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), the community leaders expressed optimism that the era of Osogbo’s exclusion from the governorship seat will finally come to an end in 2026.

The Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo, Professor Sunday Okeniyi, has enjoined the newly employed staff of the institution to develop the spirit of teamwork, respect, and discipline, which are the hallmarks of every successful institution.

Okeniyi disclosed this during the orientation programme for the newly employed staff of the institution.

While welcoming the newly employed staff, he also congratulated them on their successful appointment into the fast-rising institution. ‘Your joining us today is not by chance, but by merit, commitment, and the will of God. Atiba University is a citadel of learning and character formation, envisioned to nurture and produce men and women of excellence, integrity, and service. By becoming part of this family, you are now co-builders of this noble vision.’

The V-C said the orientation programme was a deliberate initiative of the management to formally integrate the new staff into the University system. ‘It is designed to give you a clear understanding of our mission, vision, core values, rules, and operational culture. Our goal is not just for you to work here, but for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and leave an indelible mark on the growth and transformation of this University.’

He explained that the university places a premium on academic excellence, innovative research, moral uprightness, and community development. These values define the identity and are the standards the staff must all uphold in their respective assignments-whether as academic staff shaping young minds or as non-teaching staff providing essential support services that make our work possible.

While admitting much needed to be done, Okeniyi said the institution has recorded remarkable progress within a short time. ‘The future we envision-a future of global competitiveness, leadership in innovation and knowledge, and impact within and beyond Nigeria-requires the collective commitment of every member of staff. That includes you. Your dedication, creativity, and professionalism are needed to propel us forward,’ he said.

The emergence of Zacch Adedeji, PhD, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), began as a whisper before the formal announcement.

Although the confirmation of his appointment came three months later, since he assumed office, he has practically demonstrated his capacity to take on the tax and fiscal space headlong with much equanimity expected of the Capricorn that he is.

A Capricorn is disciplined, practical, ambitious, and hardworking. He often takes on leadership roles with a strong sense of responsibility and a ‘can-do’ attitude. This is quintessential Zacch Adedeji, PhD.

Two years on, these qualities have defined the leadership paradigm at the FIRS, shaping its policies and thrusting its administration in a positive direction.

As Adedeji marks his second anniversary as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Executive Chairman, Nigerians can attest to his significant strides in transforming the nation’s tax system.

He has led the FIRS to surpass revenue targets, introduced a raft of tax reforms, modernised tax administration, and made the FIRS a customer-centric organisation.

Revenue collection achievements

Under Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS has consistently exceeded its revenue targets. In 2023, the agency collected N12.36 trillion or 107% thereby surpassing its target of N11.55 trillion. In 2024, he also collected 21.7 trillion naira against the target of N19.7 trillion.

These remarkable feats demonstrate Adedeji’s ability to drive success through strategic planning and efficiency.

Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service collected a total of N46 trillion in tax revenue. This represents: 115% of the combined revenue target of N40.07 trillion.

The two-year performance reflects the impact of reforms implemented by the management, which enhanced efficiency in the tax system, expanded the tax base, and improved compliance through digital solutions such as TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, and USSD (×829#) services. Strengthened enforcement measures, inter-agency collaboration, and improved staff welfare further boosted productivity.

These measures reduced reliance on oil revenues, strengthened non-oil collections, and enabled the Service to exceed its revenue targets between September 2023 and August 2025.

Tax system reforms

Adedeji has introduced several initiatives to simplify the tax system and improve the taxpayer experience. These include: Introducing new tax legislation that aims to reform the obsolete provisions of the tax laws and align the tax system with modern taxation and economic practices.

These tax legislations are the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 (NTAA), the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025 (JRBA), and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025 (NRSA).

TaxPro-Max: A tax administration system that automates over 80% of manual processes, reducing bureaucracy and enhancing efficiency.

National Single Window Initiative: A platform that facilitates fast and easy trade operations at ports, harmonising government revenue and promoting economic growth.

– One-Stop Shop: A streamlined tax office operation that caters to diverse taxpayers by category, improving customer satisfaction and reducing complaints.

– Unbundling of administrative groupings in the Service: The groupings were hitherto based on tax types, but Adedeji’s model is based on functions designed to increase the taxpayer experience.

Digital innovation

The FIRS has made significant strides in digital innovation under Adedeji’s leadership. He has effectively introduced new integrated modules on:

– TaxProMax: Automating tax processes and enhancing efficiency in tax payment.

– Leveraged technology: To block revenue leakages, ramp up revenue collection, and enhance taxpayer experience.

– Expanded integrated tax administration systems: Creating seamless, efficient, and transparent processes that redefine the taxpayer experience. He established self-service centres in the field offices to help taxpayers navigate the seamless tax payment processes.

Customer-centric focus of the Service:

In FIRS, there are three recognised categories of customers: taxpayers, vendors, and staff. Understood in this sense, Adedeji emplaced processes that ensure effective customer mapping and customer satisfaction journey.

He underscored his customer-centric approach to tax administration by saying, ‘We are committed to fair tax administration through responsive and accessible service to optimise revenue for national development.’

Notwithstanding these achievements, Adedeji remains focused on improving Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which is far below the African average. To address this, the FIRS has set an ambitious target to raise the ratio to 18% within the next few years.

As Adedeji embarks on his second year at the FIRS, Nigerians should expect more successes as he leverages his expertise to advance Nigeria’s economic growth and fiscal sustainability. With a clear vision and strategic roadmap, the FIRS is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.