Opinion
‘Painful but necessary’ — analysts speak on Tinubu’s first year reforms
Economic analysts have expressed concerns about the impact of multiple reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu‘s administration, emphasising the need for effective measures to mitigate the effects on citizens and businesses.
On May 29, 2023, Tinubu was sworn in as the president — on the same day, he announced the end of petrol subsidy.
A few days later, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange (FX) market, collapsing them into the investors and exporters (I&E) window.
Also, on April 3, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.
The commission said customers under the category, who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily, would begin to pay N225 per kilowatt (kW) from April 3 — up from N66.
While these reforms aim to drive economic progress, they have resulted in significant economic hardships for businesses and households.
‘INEVITABLE REFORMS’ | ’40/100 PERFORMANCE’
Muda Yusuf, the chief executive officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), said the reforms introduced by the current administration are inevitable for progress.
“The point of stress is that much of the first year was devoted to corrective reforms which were in many instances also painful,” Yusuf said.
“But the reforms were inevitable because you can’t build something on nothing. Fixing the economic fundamentals was crucial for economic sustainability.
“However, I believe the administration could do better with regards to the speed of delivering mitigating measures to ease the pains of the reforms.”
Yusuf further said the administration has made significant progress in restoring some sanity to the oil-producing areas — even though it is a work in progress.
“The truth is that reforms take time to be conceptualised and executed. It could take even longer for the results to be felt. But my view is that the reforms were necessary to pull back the economy from the brink,” he said.
“Much has been achieved with fiscal consolidation. Government revenue had improved significantly following the reforms. There were also tax reform initiatives.”
Charles Abuede, the research lead at Cowry Asset Management, said despite these reforms there has been “little or no improvement in the security architecture, rising food and commodity prices, amongst others”.
“The present administration has enacted various reforms since assumption of office till today and for the record, we have local and international businesses as well as consumers feeling the brunt,” Abuede said.
“In one year, we have seen the exchange take a different turn and the effects are what is obtainable today.”
Also, Ayokunle Olubunmi, head of financial institutions ratings at Agusto & Co, said there were some high points and low points to the reforms.
According to Olubunmi, the reforms could be seen as the administration laying the foundation – even though it might be hard for Nigerians.
“I know there are a lot of downsides. The exchange rate has been volatile, market devaluation we saw last year. If you check insecurity, it doesn’t seem to be getting better. Right now we can see that of food inflation. Farmers are finding it difficult to go to the farms and inflation is also increasing,” he said
“The power sector too, the situation seems to be worse. We get to hear almost every time that our system collapses.
“Another issue has to do with the following various policy reversals. Announcing something today and changing it tomorrow. Examples are cybersecurity, the return of the UAE visas and Emirates Airlines. It got to a point people had to start fact checking messages from the president.
“I think it is too early to properly judge them. There are some good parts of what they’ve done and then some down paths toward what they’ve not done properly.”
Olubunmi and Abuede rated the performance of Tinubu’s administration 40 out of 100.
‘FG SHOULD FOCUS ON SECURITY, AGRICULTURE, SERVICES SECTOR’
Speaking further on sectoral growth, Olubunmi said he believes the sector that seems to be getting a lot of attention is the financial sector.
“Specifically, I think this is everyone’s critique of the government. Everyone agrees that the CBN seems to be the shining star and where the administration seems to be focused on,” he said.
“More so, I don’t think communication is good enough. What they are doing is that they are not communicating well.”
Olubunmi also said agriculture and security lacked attention, especially to slow down food inflation.
On his part, Abuede said all sectors of the economy have been functioning just like we saw from the last administration.
However, he believes the services sector should be targeted for more economic growth.
“A look into the latest GDP report for Q1 2024, we can see the continued growth in the services sector which still has more room for growth if enough investment can be channelled there,” Abuede said.
“So, there’s really no sector which saw the most benefits as we can literally not get hands on FDI inflow into the sectors. Instead, decline.”
‘CONSISTENCY MOVING FORWARD TO GROW ECONOMY’
On what areas to focus on moving forward for economic growth and achieving the $1 trillion economy goal, Abuede said the government’s focus should be encompassing and holistic to ensure all-round sustainable growth.
“Areas needing major attention include security and defence, agriculture, increase in crude oil production, trade and investment, mining and power,” he said.
Abuede added that achieving a $1 trillion economy is “ambitious”.
“I think we need to experience a high growth rate annually to achieve it. Nigeria at the moment is growing at an average pace of two percent,” he said.
“But to achieve sustainable growth, Nigeria needs to grow at a minimum average of 7-10 percent annually for 10 years or to grow at 5-6 percent and exhibit strong momentum to achieve a near figure.
“Remember, Nigeria currently sits third on the largest economies in Africa behind Egypt and South Africa.”
On his part, Yusuf said he believes the administration could do better with regard to the speed of delivering mitigating measures to ease the pains of the reforms.
“There is also a need to address the volatility in the foreign exchange market. Frequent swings in the exchange rate are very detrimental to business because of the uncertainty that comes with it,” he said.
Yusuf added CBN should also address the frequent changes in exchange rates for import duty computation.
“This rate should actually be fixed at N1000/$ or even less to subdue current inflationary pressures,” he said.
Corroborating their points, Olubunmi said the power sector, insecurity and communication should be focused on.
“If the government can get those three things right because I believe those three things are like foundations that need to be fixed before we can grow the economy.”
In addition, he said achieving a $1 trillion economy projection is not feasible in the first tenure of Tinubu’s administration unless something changes drastically.
Source: The Nation
Carbon markets that fund forest preservation and tree-planting might actually be worsening climate change by increasing risks for wildfires that emit massive levels of greenhouse gases, a new United Nations-affiliated report says.
Forests have been seen as one of the most effective places to counter climate change by absorbing carbon emissions. But that’s changed, says a May paper from the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), an academic arm of the international U.N.
In the past decade, wildfires of record-breaking size have erupted in places such as Canada, Australia, Siberia and the Amazon rainforest. This week, forest wildfires forced evacuations of thousands of Canadians in Manitoba and Alberta provinces.
“Forests and peatlands have increasingly transitioned into massive carbon emitters in many parts of the world due to increasing wildfires,” the report says. Climate policies and carbon-mitigation activities ”fail to account for these substantial emissions.”
The report highlights weaknesses in a central global strategy for addressing climate change — planting and protecting trees — which has attracted billions of dollars from polluters that fund the projects to offset their own carbon emissions. A large share of the money is paid through the voluntary carbon market, a largely unregulated system that has come under increasing scrutiny over its integrity.
Recent major wildfires have been particularly harmful. The 2023 forest wildfires in Canada emitted more greenhouse gases than the total industrial emissions of any country in the world except for China and India, Ju Hyoung Lee, a research fellow at UNU and lead author of the report, said in an interview from Seoul, South Korea.
In California, wildfires in 2024 destroyed parts of forests that were supposed to be storing carbon through an offset program under the state’s cap-and-trade carbon market.
Without systematic monitoring of forest conditions, the paper says, the voluntary carbon market and other policies that promote forests “may unintentionally exacerbate wildfire hazards.”
Planting new trees to absorb carbon could have the opposite effect, the report says, as more heat and increased carbon dioxide emissions from climate change accelerate forest growth while also depleting soil moisture.
“Planting more and more trees in such an environment with the purpose of carbon mitigation will likely increase carbon emissions due to future fires,” the report warns.
When the businesses certifying forest projects in the voluntary carbon market consider wildfire risk, they normally look at historical incidents of fires, Lee said. But, she added, “Forests are changing, and our forests [won’t] be like what it was like for the last 20 years.”
Historical data often leaves out the past five years, which includes some of the worst fires on record, Lee said.
As a result, fire risk is typically underestimated by nonprofits such as Verra, which sets standards for and certifies climate projects to be listed on the voluntary market, Lee said. Representatives for Verra did not respond to a request for comment.
Concerns about forests and their changing dynamics have existed for more than a decade, Kaveh Madani, director of the UNU-INWEH, said in an interview from Toronto.
The report hopes to get the message out, Madani said, that existing forest programs and certification standards were developed using science that’s now outdated — and the projects ”can increase the risk of increased emissions, in some cases.”
Madani emphasized that not all forest programs in the voluntary carbon market and elsewhere create a wildfire threat.
The paper advocates reforming the voluntary carbon market and similar systems to better account for forest conditions and to prevent unintended consequences, including more wildfires.
Rainfall, soil health, and expected future droughts and heat waves should be considered before approving forest projects “as a carbon emissions reduction solution,” the paper says.
Satellite observations could identify areas where forests are growing and fuels are accumulating, leading them to be excluded from carbon markets “due to the potential high emissions in case of future fires,” the paper says.
The risk of wildfire and other environmental conditions that could damage forests “must be included in our planning for the future and the schemes that we have in place,” Madani said.
By Anne C. Mulkern & E&E News
By Keem Abdul
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pauses in his daily exertions to celebrate and ponder his 73 years here on earth, relevant stakeholders are mulling over his strides in the past two years as president and even further back to his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
This list of achievements is far from exhaustive. Suffice it to say, however, that it is a snapshot of one man’s odyssey along the path that destiny has chosen for him. With the lifting of the ban on political activity in 1991, Tinubu was elected senator representing the Lagos West senatorial district under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the truncated Third Republic. In the Senate proper, he was handed the role of chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance and Appropriations. That position afforded him the opportunity to play a key role in financial oversight and budgetary processes.
As governor of Lagos State (from 1999 to 2007), his initiatives, projects and policies helped the state to move up the economic ladder – with the astronomic leap in its internally generated revenue, from N600million to N8billion, which made Lagos the largest subnational economy in Africa. Tinubu’s establishment of the Lagos State Lotteries Board also helped boost the state revenue profile through regulated gaming.
Cognizant of the fact that government, no matter how well-funded, cannot drive development alone, Tinubu instituted a Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model that attracted private sector investments – especially in infrastructure. The construction of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, for example, was among the first major PPP road projects in Nigeria.
The Tinubu administration recorded many strides in the area of urban planning and transportation infrastructure. It set up the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and tasked it with a mandate to actualize the goals of the Strategic Transport Master Plan, and to work hand in hand with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in a bid to reduce traffic congestion to its barest minimum.
The development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone by the Tinubu administration has so far attracted billions in foreign investments, and so has the modernization of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, which has also seen a marked improvement in connectivity to the rest of the West African sub-region.
The Tinubu administration also recorded giant strides in the area of healthcare. Its work on the New Massey Children’s Hospital, along with the rehabilitation of various health institutions across the state, has gone a long way towards a massive upgrade of healthcare infrastructure and access in the state.
Cognizant of the fact that accumulated filth arising from a combination of poor drainage and poor habits was a public health threat to Lagosians, the Tinubu government set the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) which has improved sanitation tremendously.
In the area of security and the administration of justice, the Tinubu government established the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), which has enhanced security response in the state. In addition, the then-governor created the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), to fund police and security operations. The governor also demonstrated his support for judicial reforms, which have strengthened the Lagos State judiciary with better funding and facilities.
In the area of education and human capital development, the Tinubu founded the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) in a bid to expand medical education. The construction of new model schools across the state, and the establishment of the Lagos State Scholarship Board has enhanced education access, and also supported students from vulnerable backgrounds.
Housing and the preservation of the environment were major planks of the Tinubu government in Lagos. The launch of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) enabled many families to own homes of their own at an affordable cost.
The government’s ambitious land reclamation project – initially to combat coastal erosion, led to the construction of the Eko Atlantic City. Talk of killing two birds with one stone. Also, the dredging of various waterways across the state has improved inland water transportation.
A long-standing advocate for true federalism, Governor Tinubu fought for state autonomy and resource control. This led him into the crosshairs of the federal government under President Obasanjo, against whom Lagos State went to court to demand the release of withheld local government funds. Supreme Court ruled in Lagos’ favour. In the period between the withholding of federal funds and the court’s verdict, Lagos showed its resilience, and proved that it could survive and thrive, allocation or no allocation.
Following the expiration of his gubernatorial tenure, Asiwaju Tinubu immersed himself in the task of strengthening the All Progressives Congress, following its formation in 2013 as a counterweight to the then-ruling PDP. He brokered the merger of opposition parties, and subsequently led the coalition that defeated the PDP in 2015.
Following that victory, Tinubu continued to play a kingmaker’s role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s second victory in 2019. Tinubu’s ability to mentor future leaders has produced governors, ministers, and key politicians.
As president, following his victory in the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu signalled a new era of action. On his inaugural day, he pronounced the end of the fuel subsidy regime – in a bid to save trillions of naira for national development. He followed this up with the foreign exchange (FX) market unification policy, which helped streamline multiple exchange rates. The setting up of the Tax Reform Committee is part of the government’s plan to improve revenue collection.
In furtherance of the nation’s bid to pivot away from an oil-based economy, and to minimize the use of fossil fuels, the Tinubu administration came up with the CNG (i.e the Compressed Natural Gas) vehicle conversion initiative, which offers a cheaper alternative to petrol.
In his push to end the ravages of terrorist groups and other forms of criminality, the Tinubu government significantly increased the military’s funding, which has enhanced counterterrorism operations. Also, the creation of Forest Guards to tackle banditry and kidnapping is gradually bearing fruit. In his bid to realize his long-standing advocacy for multi-level policing, the president is leading efforts to amend the country’s constitution for that purpose.
There is no gainsaying the fact that massive investment in infrastructure and power generation would result in a quantum leap for Nigeria. In cognisance of this, the Tinubu administration is embarking on a number of infrastructure projects to realize this quantum leap – notably the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, a 700km mega-infrastructure. Thanks to the federal government’s power sector reforms, Nigerians are seeing a marked improvement in the number of hours they get electricity daily.
As it is in Lagos, so it is also at the federal level. The Tinubu government has demonstrated its intention to build a robust social investment profile. Among the signature projects of this administration is the Renewed Hope Cities & Estates, which entails the construction of mass housing projects nationwide. Following extensive negotiations with the labour unions, the president approved a new minimum wage for public sector workers in response to inflation pressures. The bid for a private-led economy has led the Tinubu government to increase its support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), notably by enabling their access to single-digit loans. Speaking of loans, the government’s Consumer Credit Scheme (whose objective is to enhance the purchasing power of average Nigerians) and the Student Loan Scheme, which has enabled access to interest-free loans for students in Nigerian universities, are a signal that the mantra, ‘Renewed Hope’ is more than just a mantra.
In a world where entities – whether corporate, governmental, intergovernmental or non-governmental – have become more and more interdependent, Nigeria – under President Tinubu – aims to push its interests to the forefront of global discourse. In the course of seeking cross-border partnerships and investments in the Nigerian economy, the president has undertaken tours abroad, in the course of which he has secured investment (or strong pledges thereof) from governments and corporate organisations in India, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, etc. Nigeria’s push for full membership of the Group of 20 (G20) is also ongoing. In the government’s recognition that the Nigerian diaspora is one of the largest in the world – with the wherewithal to make a positive difference in the country’s economic fortunes and global profile, the government set up the Diaspora Bond Revival, which is engaging Nigerians abroad for development.
All these achievements in one lifetime are sure proof of a life of purpose, determination and hard work.
Happy birthday, Mr. President. As you mark this milestone, we pray that God grants you mercy, grace and divine enablement as you continue to work for the Nigerian people.
• Abdul, publisher and writer, hails from Lagos. He can be reached at: Akeemabdul2023@gmail.com
In a remarkable turn of events on February 2nd, 2025, Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi, became symbol of celebration around the world as she marks another year of impact. The world promptly recognised the personality of the CNN Award-winning journalist who has taken her rightful place as the Lioness of FIRS, enchanting the tax office with her sharp intellect and genuine connections.
Arabinrin Aderonke, amiable and adorable with glowing skin as a ravishingly beautiful woman whom Her ascent from the realm of journalism to the esteemed offices of Nigeria’s tax agency has left the nation in awe, as she brings a refreshing perspective and a promise of transformation to Dr. Zaach Adedeji’s office.
Her social media platforms were flooded with accolades from Very Important Personalities across the globe, wishing and celebrating the indeed woman of timbers and calibers, who also possesses a spirit as fierce as a lioness and a heart that gleams with purity.
As a true trailblazer, Arabinrin has shattered glass ceilings and dismantled barriers, paving the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. She embodies empowerment, demonstrating that gender should never hinder anyone from achieving greatness. Her presence in the current political landscape serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in shaping the future of our nation.
Dr. Adedeji is having life full of ease at FIRS Broadcasting office due to Arabinrin Aderonke’s enchanting presence commands attention, leaving those around her spellbound. With her unwavering dedication, strong integrity, and extensive experience, she has risen to become a leading media professional within the Tinubu administration, expertly managing her boss’s tasks with finesse.
Aderonke is a woman of remarkable strength, determination, and bravery, courageously facing the challenges of her homeland with unwavering passion. She is pushing the boundaries of professionalism and representing the Dr. Adedeji-led FIRS with distinction, all while embodying the spirit of a truly versatile Amazon.
Her expertise in journalism and captivating presence have significantly boosted FIRS media, highlighting her exceptional leadership qualities characterized by boldness and excellence, which have earned her numerous prestigious awards. With unwavering dedication and a lasting impact, she has thrived in her reporting.
As the face of FIRS broadcast, Aderonke is elevating her influence to new heights. With an impeccable sense of style, she effortlessly embodies the regal elegance of a lioness. Each outfit she wears serves as a powerful statement, skillfully blending vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics that highlight her natural beauty.
What truly distinguishes Aderonke from the rest is more than just her achievements in the media and her sense of style. She has a remarkable ability to connect with people on a deeper level, inspiring and uplifting them through her words and actions. Her captivating presence is like a celestial body, effortlessly drawing in admirers from all walks of life.
I join the rest of the World to celebrate you as your endless sacrifices and boundless love have shaped many lives in ways words can never fully express.
Today marks one small milestone in the beautiful journey that is your life. May you continue to be blessed and follow your goals and ambitions to success!
Olajuwon Olohunwa writes from Lagos
Change is never easy, but it is often necessary. In 2024, Nigeria witnessed a series of reforms that underscored the power of determined and purposeful leadership. Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has redefined the tax sector in Nigeria. His efforts were not merely about adjusting policies; they were about reconstructing a fractured system, ensuring its efficiency, and promoting trust between the government and its people.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there was a clear mandate for action and progress. Leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda has been about assembling people who are not just capable but also willing to work tirelessly toward Nigeria’s development. Dr. Zacch exemplified this character. From the get-go, he took on the challenge of transforming Nigeria’s tax system. He understood the assignment that leadership is not about holding a position; it’s about making an impact, and he wasted no time in doing so.
The Tax Boss focused on leveraging technology and data to enhance tax collection, achieving a huge reduction in inefficiencies. One of his key projects was the complete modernization of the TaxProMax system, introducing new modules that have automated over 80% of the previously manual processes, improving transparency and service delivery for taxpayers. This has allowed for smoother interactions between the FIRS and various stakeholders, making the tax process more accessible and user-friendly, especially for small business owners.
Alongside this technology, Dr. Zacch has made an effort to expand Nigeria’s tax base. Traditionally, the country’s revenue has disproportionately relied on the oil sector. Still, with global oil prices being volatile and unpredictable, he understood that Nigeria’s financial stability would require a much more pool of tax revenue. He worked to bring more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the tax system by offering them support and incentives. This helped businesses that might have otherwise been left out to join the system and contribute to the country’s revenue. His approach made it easier for SMEs to pay taxes, ensuring they could be part of the system and grow within it.
This 2024, FIRS exceeded its N19.4 trillion revenue targets by a long margin, far surpassing the N12.3 trillion revenue collection for 2023. This speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Dr. Zacch’s reforms. His leadership has turned FIRS into a high-performing agency, one that is now regarded as a major player in driving Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.
The Tax Boss has developed policies that cater to Nigeria’s economic realities. For instance, his insistence on a fair tax system that does not burden the poor while ensuring that wealthier people and corporations contribute fairly has helped redefine tax equity in Nigeria. His approach, which prioritizes fairness, has made the system more inclusive, encouraging more people to pay taxes without feeling overburdened. This strategy is necessary for ensuring that the government has the resources it needs to invest in infrastructure, social services, and other projects that will drive Nigeria’s long-term growth.
One of Dr. Zacch’s legacies for 2024 is his push for transparency and accountability. He introduced the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). This was designed to eliminate corrupt practices within FIRS, ensuring that the tax administration process is conducted with the highest standards of integrity. This step aligns with his broader vision for an equitable tax system that emphasizes prosperity rather than burdening the disadvantaged. His philosophy “We tax the fruit, not the seed” has shaped the direction of tax reforms, making the system fairer and more accessible.
To enhance Nigeria’s global trade standing, he introduces the National Single Window Project (NSWP) to simplify trade and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business. This initiative aims to integrate Nigeria’s tax and trade systems, ensuring that businesses can interact with the government through a single, streamlined portal. The benefits of the NSWP are extensive, as it helps reduce red tape, improve efficiency, and make Nigeria more competitive in the global marketplace.
His role as the President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) has had an impact on Nigeria’s tax administration. Under the Tax Boss, CATA has become a platform for tax administrations across the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and best practices.
Beyond operational reforms, the Tax Boss has focused on improving the welfare of FIRS employees, understanding that a motivated workforce is necessary for the success of any organization. He has supported and eased staffs’ leveling up processes, and other welfare programs, resulting in a more committed and energized workforce. His leadership style, which combines compassion with insight, has created a positive work environment at FIRS.
The 2024 Tax Reform Bill 2024 is one of the most anticipated legislative pieces. It has successfully passed the second reading in the Senate. This bill aims to overhaul the country’s fragmented tax laws by consolidating them into a more unified and transparent framework. One of the objectives of this reform is to simplify the tax compliance process, which has long been seen as overly complex and discouraging for businesses. By streamlining tax laws, the bill is designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, thereby making it easier for businesses, particularly SMEs, to navigate tax and invest in growth. Additionally, the bill is set to introduce measures that will promote tax compliance and fairness, ensuring that all sectors of society contribute fairly to the national revenue.
Another component of the proposed reforms is the establishment of tax tribunals and a tax ombudsman. These entities will provide a formal, transparent mechanism for resolving tax disputes, which have often been a source of frustration for taxpayers. Moreover, the proposed Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill aims to replace the outdated FIRS Act, ushering in a more contemporary framework that can better address the challenges of the modern economy.
Once the Tax Reform Bill is passed and implemented, it will simplify Nigeria’s tax system by reducing taxes. People earning up to the minimum wage will no longer pay income tax, and small businesses with annual turnover under ₦50 million will be tax-exempt. The corporate tax rate will gradually decrease, and there will be a new system to ensure that double taxation is eliminated. VAT on essentials like food, healthcare, and education will remain exempt, while states will get a larger share of VAT revenue to support their development.
This year has been about far more than just increasing revenue, it has been about setting Nigeria on a path toward fiscal independence and resilience. For the Tax Boss, the journey is far from over. While progress has been made in transforming Nigeria’s tax system, there are still challenges to overcome.
He is committed to ensuring that all the reforms are fully implemented across the country, and this will require the government to keep pushing forward and maintain the momentum already built. The Tax Boss has laid a solid foundation for a tax system that will benefit Nigeria and its people, and we are all here for it, eagerly watching as the impact continues to unfold.
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service
By Dansu Peter
In the vibrant corridors of Nigeria’s National Assembly, where legislative debates shape the nation’s destiny, one name has steadily emerged as a symbol of hope, innovation, and dedicated representation: Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan. Representing the Badagry Federal Constituency, Whingan has earned a reputation not just as a legislator but as a trailblazer redefining public service.
From the outset of his tenure, Hon. Whingan distinguished himself as a fresh voice in the House of Representatives. A young and dynamic leader, he embodies the aspirations of a new generation of Nigerians yearning for impactful governance. His appointment as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) underscores his competence and the confidence of his colleagues in his ability to navigate one of the nation’s most critical sectors.
Championing the Badagry Agenda
Badagry, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historic significance, has long grappled with underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, and inadequate representation. Whingan has brought a renewed focus to the constituency, adopting a proactive and people-centered approach to governance. His constant engagement with constituents and tireless advocacy for their needs have set him apart from his predecessors.
From championing road repairs and improving healthcare facilities to expanding educational opportunities, Whingan’s hands-on commitment to addressing Badagry’s pressing needs is unmistakable. His ability to balance local demands with national legislative duties reflects a rare skill, one that has endeared him to his people.
A Visionary Approach to Legislation
Whingan’s legislative record reflects a focus on long-term solutions rather than superficial fixes. As Deputy Chairman of the Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Committee, he has been a vocal advocate for diversifying Nigeria’s energy portfolio, ensuring transparency in the oil sector, and prioritizing sustainable policies. His emphasis on leveraging the nation’s natural resources for collective prosperity highlights his broader vision for national development.
His contributions to debates and bills reveal a legislator who is both informed and strategic. Whingan is not content with simply occupying a seat in the National Assembly; he is actively shaping conversations on critical issues like youth empowerment, economic diversification, and regional development.
Redefining Representation
What makes Hon. Sesi Whingan particularly unique is his ability to transcend traditional boundaries of political service. Through modern tools like social media, he keeps his constituents informed and engaged, fostering a rare bond of trust and accessibility.
Beyond legislation, Whingan’s philanthropic initiatives underscore his commitment to uplifting his constituency. He has implemented scholarships, vocational training programs, and community development projects to address grassroots challenges. Notably, the free National Identification Number (NIN) registration center he established before his election remains operational, having registered over 70,000 constituents free of charge. Even before his election, he demonstrated his capacity to serve the people of Badagry Federal Constituency by constructing and rehabilitating numerous roads.
Since assuming office, Whingan has sponsored and influenced over 18 bills aimed at driving legislative innovation and addressing critical developmental needs. Notable among these is the bill to establish the Nigeria French Language Village in Badagry—an initiative that leverages the area’s historical significance and strategic location as a gateway to Francophone West Africa. His legislative efforts also include bills to establish a Customs University and a University of Technology in Badagry, highlighting his determination to transform the constituency into an educational and economic hub.
Champion of Grassroots Development
Whingan has shown exceptional understanding of the daily challenges facing his constituents. His motion addressing illegal roadblocks and checkpoints along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway demonstrated a commitment to tackling immediate concerns. Similarly, his advocacy for restoring electricity in Badagry West reflects his dedication to ensuring access to basic amenities.
His achievements in community development are equally inspiring. From constructing and equipping classrooms at Mowo Community High School and Igbanko Primary School to distributing fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity, Whingan has delivered tangible results. His youth empowerment initiatives—spanning technology skills training, biogas technology, and fashion design—equip countless young people with tools for self-reliance.
Scholarship programs for indigent students and employment facilitation for youths further demonstrate his holistic approach to constituency development. These interventions go beyond projects; they are a testament to Whingan’s belief that meaningful progress begins with investing in people.
A Beacon of Hope
In a political landscape often criticized for mediocrity and self-interest, Hon. Sesi Whingan stands out as a beacon of hope. His journey proves that with the right blend of vision, dedication, and genuine love for service, legislators can become agents of meaningful change.
As Badagry continues to reap the benefits of his leadership, the rest of Nigeria watches closely, inspired by a young leader redefining representation at the National Assembly. Whingan’s story is not just about one man; it is a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose in public service. For Badagry, he is more than a representative—he is a trailblazer whose legacy will resonate for generations to come.
Dansu Peter is a journalist, a forensic tax fraud auditor (in view), and the Head of Media, Office of the MHR for Badagry Federal Constituency.
By Arabinrin Aderonke
It was a colorful Thursday afternoon, a day of joy, liberation, and unprecedented change in the 70-year history of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) since its founding in 1943.
A moment that would be remembered for years. Hundreds of staff members gathered, clad in beautiful attire with dance, music, and pageantry, ushered a leader who has redefined their professional lives and the direction of the organization they serve.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, walked into an atmosphere filled with celebration, a reflection of the influence he has had on both his team and the entire service.
For decades, leveling up at FIRS came with a heavy burden. The rigorous process left many staff struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleepless nights, and their dreams of advancement overshadowed by the dread of failure. But today, everything has changed. The Tax Boss had done what no one before him dared to do. He introduced a performance-based system, which matches the recently launched slogan of the service known as simplifying tax, Maximizing Revenue.
He has made the lives of the staff easy and simplified the process for everyone. Gone were the days when career progression depended solely on the exhausting and rigorous process. He has improved on the welfare of the staff since he resumed office which has planted smiles on the face of the staff, nationwide This step, rooted in fairness and transparency, proved his consistent and tireless commitment to staff welfare.
While attending to his responsibilities and revitalizing FIRS, Dr. Zacch has also been on and about the Tax Reform Bill. His leadership reflects a balance of pushing for national progress while ensuring the well-being of his workforce. The bill, designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system and align it with global standards, is core to his vision.
He has been tirelessly engaging stakeholders to address concerns and promote its benefits. His speeches highlight how the reform will unify tax codes, eliminate redundancies, and create a framework that supports economic growth while enabling government agencies to function well and reduce burdens for businesses, allowing both sectors to focus on their core responsibilities and growth.
Under his leadership, FIRS has recorded remarkable milestones, including the highest-ever revenue collection in its history. These achievements have been possible because of his innovative approach, modernizing tax systems, automating processes, and promoting a culture of excellence within the agency. His continued support for his staff shows his belief that a thriving workforce is necessary for a thriving institution.
The Tax Boss is building a legacy, and it is being written in real time. This is a story of transformation, progress, and humanity. Today’s celebration is a reflection of the impact one leader can have, not just on an organization but on the lives of every person within it.
With Dr. Zacch, Nigeria’s tax system goes beyond mere policy adjustments, it’s about building a country that promotes growth, ensuring that the benefits of tax reform reach both businesses and citizens, thereby contributing to long-term national progress.
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service
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