Fresh allegations of administrative irregularities, staff‑welfare problems and questionable management practices have emerged within the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), with several senior officials saying the agency faces mounting internal challenges under Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji.
In separate interviews with this newspaper, senior NRS officials who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly said the agency has undergone significant changes to its administrative structure that have, in their view, undermined operational efficiency and staff morale.
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New management structure and lines of reporting
The officials said a recent management reorganization introduced the position of Group Director and altered traditional reporting lines for serving directors. Several sources alleged that some appointments were made in favour of individuals perceived to be close to the Executive Chairman, and that the new structure has concentrated responsibility and decision‑making within a smaller circle of officials.
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Promotion concerns and staff morale Sources who confided in OBSERVERS TIMES also raised concerns about the Service’s promotion process. They alleged that many employees who meet promotion criteria have remained on waiting lists for more than a year, while others believed to be close to the current leadership received accelerated promotions — in some cases advancing more than one grade level. One example cited was that officers expected to be promoted to Deputy Manager remain at lower grades while some protégés now occupy Assistant Director posts.
Several officials said day‑to‑day administration has increasingly been delegated to a small group of influential officials, limiting broader managerial oversight. They further alleged that long‑held financial reserves — described by one source as amounting to four trillion naira and intended to provide operational stability during funding shortfalls — have been depleted, leaving the agency more dependent on regular government allocations. The newspaper has not independently verified the existence, amount or current status of any such reserve.
Allegations about frequent foreign travel
One senior who spoke to OBSERVERS TIMES official claimed the Chairman frequently travels abroad, sometimes on weekends, and that operational leadership is affected when oversight is remote. The newspaper could not independently verify the frequency or nature of such travel at the time of filing.
Calls for review and independent investigation
The officials urged the Federal Government and relevant oversight bodies to review the administrative and financial affairs of the NRS in the interest of transparency and accountability. They specifically called for an independent investigation by appropriate oversight institutions to examine the structural changes, promotion processes and the state of the agency’s reserves.
Allegations about personal ties to the Presidency
Some sources also claimed the Executive Chairman has described himself as a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has portrayed himself as beyond reproach. These claims were not independently verified by this newspaper.
This newspaper has not independently confirmed the allegations contained in this report. We reached out to the office of the Executive Chairman and other NRS officials for comment they have failed to respond to inquiry
The officials provided documents and statements they say support their claims; additional evidence will be published as it is verified and cleared for release.
