Lagos, Nigeria – Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, the former Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), allegedly employed his wife, Oluwatosin Adedeji, as Chief Accountant during his tenure, according to documents obtained by SaharaReporters.
Adedeji, now the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), was appointed to head the NSDC by former President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2021 and served until his appointment as FIRS Chairman by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023.
The documents reveal that Oluwatosin was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer on salary grade level 14 (SGL14 Step 1) despite lacking the required public service experience. Additionally, the appointment letter was signed by Adedeji himself instead of the Director of Human Resources Management, contrary to council regulations.
According to the NSDC’s conditions of service, appointment letters for management staff (SSL. 03-01) should be signed by the executive secretary, while letters for employees on SSL. 14 to 04 should be signed by the Director of Human Resource Management.
The appointment letter, dated February 1, 2023, with reference number NSDC/HQS/AD/110/8.1/11, reads: “With reference to your application for employment to this organisation and your subsequent interview, I am directed to offer you appointment as Chief Accountant on Sugar Salary Level 04 Step 1 (equivalent to SGL. 14 Step 1), with effect from the day you assume duty. This appointment is in accordance with the terms and conditions of service of the National Sugar Development Council,” the letter signed by Adedeji stated.
The Nigerian government establishment circular 2011-2023 outlines the proper procedures for recruitment and appointment into the federal civil service. These include obtaining annual authorised establishment from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, obtaining a waiver for recruitment, adherence to manpower budget, and appropriate budgetary provisions. Additionally, approval from the federal character commission and compliance certificates are required to ensure equitable distribution of vacancies among states.
SaharaReporters attempted to contact Adedeji for comments, but calls were not answered or returned. A text message sent to his line also went unanswered at the time of this report.
