The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially inducted a new group of professionals, who were selected through what is being described as one of Nigeria’s most transparent recruitment exercises. The process was part of the ‘Work With Us’ initiative and has been recognized as a breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to rebuild public trust and reform its hiring practices.
The induction occurred at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja and was led by Executive Chairman Dr. Zachs Adedeji. He told the recruits that they are now part of a broader mission to create a people-first institution, where the majority of operations are managed internally by FIRS staff. He stressed that the induction is more than just an entry into the workforce—it marks the beginning of a shared journey to improve Nigeria’s fiscal system.
Dr. Adedeji explained that the recruitment was carried out through digital assessments and virtual interviews coordinated by ten independent panels. Candidates were chosen strictly on merit, with a focus on integrity, public service readiness, and competence. He described this as a major step in creating a transparent, accountable institution.
He also spoke about FIRS’s ongoing transformation built on three core elements: people, processes, and technology. While technology is essential for speed and accuracy, he emphasized that the real value lies in human competence. He used a Yoruba proverb to illustrate this point, saying that when a child isn’t properly educated, they risk destroying the legacy left behind.
Supporting Dr. Adedeji’s remarks, Collins Osagie Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy, praised the recruits as future architects of national development. He said their contributions will be key to driving the reforms currently shaping the agency.
The induction programme will train the recruits in tax administration, ethics, digital tools, and the FIRS 2025 Roadmap. The aim is to fully prepare them to support the agency’s evolving goals and strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience through professional public service.