A coalition of lawmakers and civil society groups has launched a major campaign demanding the removal of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji. The group accuses him of alleged constitutional breaches, misuse of tax waivers, and mismanagement of revenue-related funds. They claim the alleged violations have weakened transparency and accountability in the nation’s tax administration.
The coalition has prepared a detailed petition outlining its allegations and plans to release it publicly by December 15. According to the organisers, the petition will reveal what they describe as systemic irregularities under Adedeji’s leadership, calling for a forensic audit and immediate government intervention. The move has stirred intense public debate, especially within the financial sector.
However, the removal push has sparked strong backlash. More than 70 civil society organisations have risen in defence of Adedeji, dismissing the allegations as politically-motivated and targeted at derailing ongoing reforms at the FIRS. These groups argue that the campaign is driven by individuals threatened by Adedeji’s efforts to modernise revenue collection and close loopholes that previously enabled corruption.
Rights groups such as the Campaign for Democracy have also condemned the demands for Adedeji’s removal. They describe the coalition behind the petition as “shadowy” and unrepresentative of legitimate civic interests. Others, including the Southwest Unity Forum, have labelled the move a coordinated witch-hunt aimed at undermining national economic stability.
As tensions rise, stakeholders are watching for the government’s next steps whether it will order an investigation, hold parliamentary hearings, or disregard the petition entirely. The outcome is expected to carry significant implications for tax reforms, political accountability, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s revenue administration.