On the Trail of Zacch Adedeji… Nigeria’s New Power Broker 

Reaching the pinnacle of power is no small feat. It demands resilience, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For Zacch Adedeji, success was never handed to him—it was earned, starting from a humble cocoa farming family in Oyo State to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential figures.

Adedeji’s story began with numbers. From managing his father’s farm accounts to graduating with a first-class degree in accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, his intellectual prowess was evident early on. His career took off at Procter & Gamble, where his financial expertise saved the company millions and earned him a place in senior management.

But corporate success was just the beginning. Adedeji’s talents caught the eye of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who recognized his potential to transform public finance. At 33, Adedeji became Oyo State’s Finance Commissioner, where he overhauled the state’s revenue system, blocked leakages, and introduced the Treasury Single Account. His reforms turned financial chaos into structured prosperity.

Adedeji’s influence continued to grow. As Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, he implemented critical reforms that strengthened Nigeria’s sugar industry. His exceptional performance led President Bola Tinubu to appoint him Special Adviser on Revenue and later, Executive Chairman of FIRS.

At FIRS, Adedeji has redefined tax collection in Nigeria. Under his leadership, the agency has consistently surpassed revenue targets, providing the government with the funds needed for national development. His strategic vision and results-driven approach have cemented his role as a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape.