The Federal Inland Revenue Service has strongly dismissed recent comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding Nigeria's revenue collection system, warning against the politicization of technical tax reforms.
FIRS Counters Allegations on Payment Platform
In a detailed response, the tax authority led by Zacch Adedeji described Atiku's concerns about the appointment of Xpress Payments as part of government payment platforms as inaccurate and potentially disruptive to the nation's economic stability.
The agency emphasized that no single, exclusive or privately controlled gateway exists for government revenue collection, contrary to the former vice president's suggestions.
Multi-Channel System Ensures Transparency
FIRS explained that Nigeria operates an open, multi-channel revenue collection ecosystem that includes several Payment Solution Service Providers working simultaneously. These platforms include Remita, Quickteller, Etranzact, Flutterwave and XpressPay, all of which have been part of the system for years.
The current framework allows taxpayers to choose their preferred payment channel, enhancing convenience while preventing any single platform from dominating the system. Importantly, FIRS clarified that none of these companies acts as revenue-collection agents or earns percentages from government funds.
All payments flow directly into the Federation Account without private custody or interference, maintaining the integrity of the process.
Modernization Efforts and Job Creation
The expansion of service providers represents a deliberate effort to modernize tax administration in Nigeria, offering citizens more flexible payment options while improving efficiency and accountability.
This approach has also contributed to job creation and innovation within the fintech sector, as more players participate in the growing digital payment space.
FIRS highlighted the transparent onboarding process for all providers, ensuring equal opportunity through verifiable procedures that prevent preferential treatment.
Warning Against Political Interference
The tax agency issued a stern warning against attempts to politicize the ongoing tax reform program, which is being driven by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. This initiative represents one of the government's major efforts to modernize the economy through transparent, consultative processes.
FIRS expressed concern that portraying routine administrative steps as political maneuvers could distort public understanding and generate unnecessary alarm about the nation's revenue system.
The agency called on Atiku and other political figures to exercise responsibility in their public commentary, emphasizing that tax administration constitutes a critical national function that should remain above partisan conflicts.
FIRS reaffirmed its commitment to professional tax administration and continued strengthening of Nigeria's revenue structures for the benefit of all citizens.
