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FIRS Chair Adedeji Allegedly Throws Lavish Birthday in Dubai Amid Tax Law Alterations Controversies
Despite widespread public concern over alleged modifications to key provisions of Nigeria’s new tax legislation, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, is reportedly planning a lavish birthday celebration in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Talk Nigeria gathered.
Sources familiar with the plans told SaharaReporters on Saturday that Adedeji will mark his birthday on January 6, 2026, with an event expected to attract high-profile guests. Among those anticipated to attend are Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, and other influential figures from Nigeria’s political and business circles.
“FIRS Chairman Zach Adedeji will celebrate his birthday in Dubai on January 6. Seyi Tinubu and several top political and business figures are expected to be in attendance,” one source confirmed.
The celebration comes amid mounting scrutiny of Adedeji and the FIRS over allegations that certain provisions of the recently debated tax laws were altered to benefit powerful interests. Earlier reports noted that President Tinubu had announced the rollout of Nigeria’s new tax framework on January 1, 2026, despite ongoing public controversy.
In a statement issued on December 30, 2025, President Tinubu reaffirmed that the tax laws, including those already effective since June 26, 2025, would proceed as scheduled. He described the reforms as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework, emphasizing that the measures were intended to overhaul the system rather than increase tax burdens.
“The new tax laws, including those effective from June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned,” the President said. He framed the reforms as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation,” adding that the laws aim to drive harmonization, safeguard dignity, and strengthen the social contract.
Tinubu also addressed public concerns regarding alleged post-passage alterations to some sections of the tax laws, stressing that trust in governance is earned over time and cannot be built through “premature, reactive measures.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and the integrity of enacted legislation.
The controversy emerged in December 2025 when House of Representatives member Abdussamad Dasuki raised a matter of privilege, alleging that the versions of the tax laws published in the Federal Gazette contained provisions not approved during legislative debates. Critics argued that discrepancies existed between the versions passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and the copies subsequently gazetted.
In response, the House Minority caucus established a seven-member fact-finding committee, led by Afam Ogene of Anambra State, to investigate the alleged alterations and advise on measures to protect the national interest. The committee’s formation followed appeals for independent scrutiny, with Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda emphasizing the necessity of accountability in light of the executive’s decision to implement the new tax regime from January 1, 2026.
Despite calls to pause the rollout pending clarification of the alleged discrepancies, the government proceeded with the implementation in accordance with President Tinubu’s directive, signaling its determination to enforce the reforms as planned.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.