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.