Zacch Adelabu Adedeji (born January 8, 1978) is a Nigerian accountant, tax administrator, and public officer, renowned for his expertise in corporate taxation and public finance development. He served as the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State from June 2011 to May 2015 and is currently the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Early Life and Education
Adedeji, often referred to as Zacch, grew up in Iwo-Ate, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, in a family established in the cocoa trade. This environment sparked his early interest in commerce and trade.
He began his academic journey in accounting with a National Diploma in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State. He continued his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management & Accounting, graduating with First-Class honors.
Adedeji went on to obtain a Master of Science in Accounting from OAU and later pursued an Executive Course in Economic Development at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, USA. In 2023, he completed his academic journey with a Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting from OAU.
Career
Adedeji’s career began at Procter and Gamble (P&G), where he worked in various capacities, including Corporate Finance Manager for West Africa and Finance Leader for the SAP Implementation Project.
In 2011, Adedeji was appointed as the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State by Governor Abiola Ajimobi. During his tenure, he spearheaded significant financial reforms, most notably the establishment of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which streamlined the management of government revenues and expenditures.
He also served as the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, where he initiated the Nigeria Sugar Institute and extended the Sugar Backward Integration Program.
In September 2023, Adedeji was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where he oversees the agency responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for taxes accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Prior to this, he served as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue.
Contributions
Adedeji’s career has been marked by significant contributions to Nigeria’s fiscal policies, economic development, and the efficient management of government revenues. His leadership roles have enhanced tax administration, economic reform programs, and public finance systems in Nigeria.
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