- Source: Zacch Adedeji
Zacch Adelabu Adedeji (born January 8, 1978) is a Nigerian accountant, tax administrator, and public officer who specializes 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 popularly known as Zacch, spent his early life in his hometown of Iwo-Ate, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. Growing up in a family deeply established in cocoa trade, he developed an early appreciation for commerce and trade.
His accounting educational journey commenced with the attainment of a National Diploma in Accountancy from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State. Eager to delve deeper into the field of accounting, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Management & Accounting at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he graduated with a First-Class honor.
Building on his academic accomplishments, Adedeji obtained a Master of Science degree in Accounting from OAU. Motivated by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and professional growth, he extended his education to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the United States; where, he completed an Executive Course in Economic Development.
In 2023, Adedeji achieved the pinnacle of academic success, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Career
Adedeji's career began with a managerial position at the multinational corporation Procter and Gamble (P&G). He held other roles at P&G, including Corporate Finance Manager (West Africa) and Finance Leader for SAP Implementation Project.
He was appointed as the Commissioner for Finance, Oyo State by the late former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi from 2011 to 2015. During his tenure, he implemented significant financial reforms, including the establishment of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which streamlined government revenues and expenditures.
Adedeji was appointed as the Executive Secretary of National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. He established the Nigeria Sugar Institute and extending the Sugar Backward Integration Program.
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September 2023, Adedeji is the serving Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the agency saddled with the responsibility of assessing, collecting, and accounting for taxes accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Before his appointment as Executive Chairman of FIRS, Adedeji also served as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue.
