“To the Scrabble enthusiasts, how many words can you make with a single alphabet?” That was the simple-yet-thought-provoking question posed by Dr Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), at a distinguished personality lecture held on February 5, 2026.
The lecture, which was held in the NRS boss’ honour, was the first of its kind organised by the Faculty of Administration, at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. where Adedeji is an alumnus.
Speaking on the theme, ‘From Potential to Prosperity: Export-driven Economy,’ Adedeji used the question to contextualise Nigeria’s stand on global economic rankings from an export perspective.
According to him, as difficult as it is to make a word from a single alphabet, so it is to depend on a single product to drive economic efficiency targeted at sustainable development.
He cited examples of countries such as Vietnam, noting how potential matched by policy-driven export-focused decisions can drive positive change in a country’s economy.
Tracing Nigeria’s history in export-driven developmental rankings, Adedeji noted that the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu has taken major steps towards improving Nigeria’s economic outlook and reality, aimed at ensuring a measured, yet all-encompassing favourable economic climate.
He spoke about the single-window initiative of the Bola Tinubu administration to make the import environment more favourable, adding that the focus is to “consolidate all import processes, so that when you import into the country, it’ll be like placing an order on Amazon.”
He also highlighted intra-continental possibilities, especially with the propects offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) model, adding that “for Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, the stakes are even higher, because of our industrial potential… AfCFTA aligns perfectly with our urgent need to diversify from hydrocarbons.”
“In 2024, Nigeria took a major step by formally joining Afcta trade initiative. This is a pilot phase that led us to test the actual operational environment for trade. It signals a move from just silent paper to actual implementations. We have already identified specific products,” he said.
“The big task lies in positioning Nigeria as a hub for regional value chain. We should not just be looking to sell finished goods, we should be looking to provide a component that fuels African industries.”
Speaking on how Nigeria stands to gain exponentially from an export-driven economy that aligns with global standards, Adedeji expressed optimism that although the path to prosperity is difficult, it is achievable.
“The roadmap is ambitious. It requires sustained political will and commitment that lasts beyond a political cycle. But the alternative is to continue down the path of stagnation and vulnerability. And that is the path Nigeria must avoid at all costs,” he said.
“President Tinubu has already began the difficult work of rebuilding our economy. The goal now must be to transform Nigeria into a nation that possesses the collective knowledge to produce, to innovate, and to compete.
“By adopting a strategy focused on complexity, we can finally begin to harness our true potential. We can build an economy that is diversified, resilient, and most importantly, one that provides prosperity for all Nigerians.
“The journey from potential to prosperity is not a soft one. But with the right resolve, it is a journey we can finally complete.”
The event also featured a harvest of awards for the NRS chairman, which included honours from the University, Faculty, Departments, student organisations, OAU International School, OAU staff school, among others.
Below are photos from the event:
