ABUJA – A coalition of civil society organisations have raised concerns over possible conflict-of-interest issues involving some officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
They called on the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies to urgently look into the matter to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tax system ahead of the planned new tax regime.
The Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) – uniting Integrity and Economic Probity For Transparency Initiative, Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, Association of Media Practitioners in Oil and Gas Producing Areas, and Arewa Youth Alliance for Progress and Development – stormed the National Assembly with documents they claimed prove senior FIRS officials remain active shareholders and controllers in multiple businesses while drawing full-time public salaries.
The coalition, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD), staged a peaceful demonstration in Abuja to press home its demands.
Speaking during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Odey Otunu, said the matter deserved immediate attention to sustain public confidence in the country’s revenue administration.
The group says months of investigation uncovered ironclad corporate records showing Mr Zaach Adedeji, the FIRS Chairman holds 500,000 shares in RTR Consulting Limited, incorporated in 2015, despite a murky resignation as director and claims the firm remains fully operational with recent transactions.
Other senior officers were named as controlling figures in companies spanning consulting, engineering, investments, and even microfinance, all while occupying critical roles in revenue collection.
The group said, “It is hence, right to infer that the rot in the FIRS is occasioned by the bad example set by the head of this seeming impeccable organisation. Mrs. Amina Kurawa Ado, Coordinating Director of the Large Taxpayers Group, is a major shareholder and controller of Soronza Limited (RC No. 1557737; incorporated 31st January 2019).
“Mr. Shettima Tamadi, Coordinating Director, Special Duties, is the controlling mind and shareholder of Tri Umbrella Limited (RC No. 1174777; incorporated 3rd March 2014) and Tamvest Global Investment Limited (RC No. 867606; incorporated 4th February 2010).
“Mr. Abeghe Tyofa David, Acting Director, Facility Management Department, maintains controlling interests in Detab Engineering Limited (RC No. 662151; incorporated August, 2006), B-T PHRONES/S Engineering Limited (RC No. 858692; incorporated 11′ December, 2009), and C & O Engineering Lid (RC No. 912/48; incorporated 20″ September, 2010).
“Mr. Lawrence Ejiga, Deputy Director, Procurement, maintains controlling interests in G & L Rehoboth Investment Limited (RC No. 805500; incorporated 5th March 2009) and Amaifeke Microfinance Bank (RC No. 185095; incorporated 13th January 1992).”
The group said this was worrying because such situations could amount to a conflict of interest.
“It is a matter of grave concern, backed by incontrovertible evidence, that senior officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), not excluding the Chairman, that while in full-time employment, have been and remain active shareholders, directors, and persons of significant control in private companies incorporated under the laws of Nigeria,” the coalition alleged during street demonstration.
The coalition also pointed to several company records it claims reveal shareholdings and directorships linked to FIRS officials.
“These acts constitute not only a reckless abuse of office but also a brazen violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and the extant Public Service Rules,” they continued.
The group noted that its attempts to obtain official responses from the affected officials had not been successful.
“We have written to them and written reminders to get official responses to no avail,” the coalition noted.
COCSOD expressed concern that issues of this nature, if not addressed, could weaken public trust in the country’s tax administration and create doubts about the fairness of the upcoming tax reforms.
They referred to constitutional provisions and relevant court rulings that bar public officers from owning or running private businesses while in full-time government employment, except for farming.
As part of its next steps, COCSOD said it would sustain public advocacy, including more peaceful marches to the National Assembly, EFCC, ICPC and other regulatory bodies until the concerns are addressed.
“We urge the National Assembly to do their jobs properly as we shall continue to monitor the progress of the processes,” the group added.
Despite repeated written requests for comment, COCSOD says the accused officials have stayed silent. The coalition has now lodged formal petitions with the National Assembly and vowed to march on the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau until action is taken.
“We will keep the pressure on with peaceful protests, rallies, and relentless monitoring,” Otunu warned. “The Nigerian people deserve accountability.”
FIRS officials remained tight-lipped, with one senior source promising an official response “in due course.” As the agency gears up for sweeping tax reforms in 2026, the scandal casts a long shadow over its credibility and raises urgent questions about integrity at the apex of Nigeria’s fiscal machinery. Lawmakers have yet to signal whether a full probe is forthcoming.
