Abuja, Aug. 14, 2025 – The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has met its revenue target in the oil and gas sector in 2025.
Zacch Adedeji, its Chief Executive, disclosed this on Wednesday when Gen Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), paid him a visit.
He described the achievement as a milestone as this was the first time the agency met the revenue target which he attributed to the sustained peace in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS boss, Adedeji said the improved security situation in oil-producing areas had boosted production, resulting in greater profitability for companies in the sector and higher tax revenue for the federation.
“The coordinating director of the Large Tax Group made a presentation at our management meeting today on tax collection to date, and I am glad to say that, for the first time in a long while, we met our oil and gas target.
“This is actually as a result of the peace that has been maintained where oil and gas facilities are located. Production is happening, and companies are making more profit from it.
“Prosperity can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace. The Armed Forces are critical stakeholders and central to sustaining peace in the country,” he said.
Adedeji commended the armed forces and other security agencies for their contribution to maintaining stability in the Niger Delta.
He said the success aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to “taxing prosperity and not poverty.”
The FIRS boss commended the commitment of the federal government to the welfare of security personnel, citing a recent approval for the construction of 1,550 housing units for members of the armed forces.
“This shows the president appreciates what you are doing for the country. You are also critical to our success,” he told the CDS.
Adedeji pledged the agency’s support for the upcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, which Nigeria will host in Abuja.
“We will always be open to collaborate in order to sustain peace, increase prosperity, and develop our nation. On behalf of the President and all of us at FIRS, we thank you for the good job you are doing in maintaining peace and safety for all,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff commended the leadership of the FIRS for significantly improving revenue generation in the country which had directly supported the operations of the armed forces.
“Since Dr. Adedeji assumed office, we have seen remarkable changes.
“For us in the Armed Forces, we are nothing without funds. To even buy the good big guns we are carrying will be difficult without the funding.
“Over the years, you have made our job a lot easier, although we keep asking for more. We have seen that revenue has increased, almost tenfold, and we can see new initiatives making a positive impact.
“Your boldness has encouraged us in what we are doing,” he said.
The CDS used the occasion to promote the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, scheduled for 25–27 August 2025 in Abuja.
“This is an avenue to showcase Nigeria to Africa and the world. We have attended such events in other countries, but we believe it’s time for Africa to sit together as brothers and sisters to discuss our problems and provide African solutions,” he said.
