Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, is set to celebrate his birthday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, despite mounting public criticism over alleged alterations to Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws, The Legalobserver has learnt.
Sources with direct knowledge of the plans disclosed on Saturday that Adedeji will mark his birthday on January 6, with a high-profile guest list expected to attend the lavish celebration. Among those reportedly billed for the event is Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, alongside several politically connected figures described by sources as influential players within Nigeria’s power circle.
“Zach Adedeji will celebrate his birthday in Dubai on January 6. Seyi Tinubu and other prominent political and business figures are expected to attend,” a source said.
The planned celebration comes amid sustained public scrutiny of the FIRS and its leadership following allegations that key provisions of recently passed tax reform laws were altered after approval by the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu had announced that implementation of the new tax laws would commence on January 1, 2026, despite widespread controversy surrounding the alleged changes. In a statement issued on December 30, 2025, the President said the reforms—some of which took effect on June 26, 2025—would proceed as scheduled, describing them as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
“The new tax laws… will continue as planned,” Tinubu said, characterising the reforms as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create a fairer and more competitive tax system. He stressed that the measures were intended to restructure and harmonise tax administration rather than increase the tax burden.
Responding to public concerns over alleged post-legislative alterations, the President acknowledged the controversy but rejected calls to suspend implementation, arguing that trust in governance must be built through due process rather than reactive decisions.
The controversy began in December 2025, when Abdussamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives, raised a matter of privilege alleging that the versions of the tax laws published in the Federal Gazette differed materially from those debated and passed by lawmakers.
The claims sparked outrage among legislators and civil society groups, prompting the House of Representatives Minority Caucus to establish a seven-member investigative committee to probe the alleged discrepancies. The committee, chaired by Afam Ogene, was mandated to examine the circumstances surrounding the publication of the laws and recommend steps to protect the national interest.
Although Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had earlier constituted a panel to review the matter, the House later directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to re-gazette the harmonised version of the laws and issue a Certified True Copy in an attempt to ease tensions.
Despite appeals from opposition lawmakers and other stakeholders for a suspension of the new tax regime pending clarification, the federal government proceeded with implementation on January 1, 2026, in line with the President’s directive.
Explaining the decision to set up an independent inquiry, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda said the move followed extensive consultations and was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.
“The leadership of the minority caucus considered it necessary to constitute a seven-man fact-finding committee to thoroughly examine all issues linked to this controversy,” Chinda said in a statement.
As investigations continue, Adedeji’s planned overseas celebration has drawn renewed attention, further intensifying public debate over governance, accountability, and the timing of official conduct amid national economic reforms.
