FIRS Chair Credits Military for Boost in Oil Revenue, Pledges Support for Defence Initiatives

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has attributed the agency’s recent success in meeting its 2025 oil and gas tax revenue target to the improved security in the Niger Delta, maintained by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Adedeji made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, the FIRS boss praised the military for creating an environment of peace in oil-producing regions, which he said has directly led to increased crude oil production, higher corporate profits, and consequently, greater tax inflows.

“The Armed Forces are critical stakeholders in sustaining peace in the country,” Adedeji said. “Today, I am glad to report that for the first time in a long while, we met our oil and gas target because production is happening and companies are making more profit.”

He added that the achievement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic vision to “tax prosperity, not poverty,” stressing that such prosperity is only possible in a peaceful and stable environment.

Adedeji also highlighted recent efforts by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of military personnel.

“To strengthen the morale of our security operatives, President Bola Tinubu is committed to their welfare and equipping them with state-of-the-art machinery. Just last month, the President approved the release of significant funds for 1,550 housing units for security personnel. This underscores that the President appreciates your sacrifices,” he stated.

The FIRS chairman pledged support for the upcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, to be hosted in Abuja from August 25 to 27, 2025, reaffirming FIRS’ readiness to collaborate with the military to “sustain peace, increase prosperity, and develop our dear nation.”

In his response, General Musa commended the FIRS for its pivotal role in mobilizing revenue that supports national priorities, including defence operations.

“Since Dr. Adedeji assumed office, we have seen very remarkable changes,” the CDS said. “For us in the Armed Forces, we are nothing without funds. To even buy the big guns we carry will be difficult without funding. Revenue has increased, almost tenfold, and new initiatives are making a positive impact. This boldness encourages us in what we do to maintain peace and security in the country.”

Speaking on the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, Musa noted that hosting the event in Nigeria represents a significant shift from past editions held abroad, such as in Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire.

“This will allow Africa to discuss African problems and provide African solutions,” he said. “Most of these countries that claim they want to support us also create the problems we try to solve. So, it is important we take ownership of our security conversations and showcase Nigeria’s leadership in Africa.”