The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, has directed the policy, finance and accounts, planning, research, and statistics functions of the FIRS to fully integrate gender-responsive planning and budgeting into the Service.
He said every programme, resource allocation, and impact assessment must be viewed through the lens of gender equality.
The FIRS Boss said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the official launch of the FIRS Gender Desk and the FIRS Women Network (WoN).
He said the event marks a pivotal milestone — not only in the evolution of the FIRS but in reaffirming its national commitment to the ideals of gender equity and inclusive governance.
According to him, the event is not merely symbolic but a powerful declaration of the FIRS resolve to embed equity at the heart of its operations, to drive inclusive public service, and to position gender equality not just as a constitutional right but as a strategic imperative in governance, especially within the Nigerian tax system.
As the Patron of the FIRS Women Network, Adedeji said he is deeply committed to this cause, not as a matter of courtesy, but as a fundamental pillar of effective leadership and transformative service delivery.
He said the establishment of the Gender Desk and WoN is a deliberate and strategic step towards mainstreaming gender considerations across all facets of the FIRS operations, enhancing representation, and improving outcomes for all Nigerians — men and women alike.
This launch, he noted, aligns with the National Gender Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 17 (Partnerships) — as well as Nigeria’s global commitments under various international gender equity frameworks.
He said, “Our mandate is clear: we must not only align in principle but lead in practice. In this regard, I call on all stakeholders, internal and external, to join hands with us.
“As a foundational step, we must collaborate closely with the Ministers of Women Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to urgently develop and implement a nationally recognised definition of women-owned and women-led businesses.
“This definition must be seamlessly integrated into our business registration and regulatory processes. Within FIRS, I hereby direct the immediate adoption of gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting across the TaxProMax system and all relevant departments.
“This will better inform our policies and significantly enhance the inclusiveness and responsiveness of our tax administration.
“Furthermore, I urge our Policy, Finance & Accounts, Planning, Research, and Statistics functions to fully integrate gender-responsive planning and budgeting across the Service. Every programme, resource allocation, and impact assessment must be viewed through the lens of gender equality.
“To the leadership and every member of FIRS, I issue a call to action: let us work together to position the service as a model public institution, not only in Nigeria but across Africa. Let us strive to achieve the UNDP Global Gender Equality Seal and demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership in gender-responsive governance.”
He explained further that the launch of the FIRS Women Network (WoN) is equally symbolic and strategic, as it is a platform to cultivate leadership, foster mentorship, and support the professional growth of women across all levels of the service.
“I encourage our female colleagues to embrace this platform fully and our male colleagues to serve as active allies and champions of this progress.
“I urge us all to view today not as a final destination but as the beginning of a sustained, deliberate movement. Let us walk the talk, measure our impact, and weave gender equity into the very fabric of our institution and our nation.
“May today’s launch be the foundation upon which we build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society for generations to come,” he added.
