The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strongly criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for shutting down one of its offices in Abuja. The agency described the move as both “malicious” and “unprofessional.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, accused the FCTA of unfairly targeting the agency.
“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to shut down our office and disrupt our staff from carrying out their duties—especially during a pivotal week as we prepare to sign the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you’ve made a serious error. FIRS owes you nothing,” Atoyebi stated.
She went further to accuse the FCTA of using FIRS as a scapegoat, saying: “If you’re looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. We will not be your scapegoat, especially when you’re fully aware that your media-spread falsehoods and illegal actions jeopardize our operations.”
Atoyebi emphasized that FIRS has no outstanding rent owed to the FCTA, claiming that all dues had been cleared through 2023.
“We have the evidence,” she stressed in response to allegations of indebtedness.
The timing of the incident is particularly concerning, Atoyebi noted, as it coincides with a critical moment for Nigeria’s tax system, with major reform legislation nearing finalization. She warned that such disruptions could erode public trust and delay the implementation of essential fiscal policies.
Analysts have also expressed concern that rising tensions between federal institutions could impair service delivery and cause broader instability.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is moving forward with the harmonization of the Tax Reform Bills. The harmonized version may be passed as early as Tuesday, following a successful reconciliation of contentious sections.
James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and head of the harmonization committee, confirmed the development on Sunday via X.
He wrote: “The Conference Committee set up by the House and Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has completed its work. The joint team carefully reviewed all sections, resolved grey areas in the four Bills, and addressed all contentious clauses.”
It was reported that the FCTA sealed the FIRS office in Abuja due to alleged non-payment of ground rent. Other properties affected by similar actions included an Access Bank branch and a Total filling station in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, reportedly over unpaid rent spanning 34 years.
