Nigeria’s tax authority, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), is pushing back hard after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) shut down one of its offices in Abuja.
The FIRS described the action as “malicious” and “unprofessional,” accusing the FCTA of targeting the agency unfairly.
In a statement posted on Monday, May 26, via X (formerly Twitter), Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, said the office closure was completely unjustified.
“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, disrupting staff from performing their duties when we have done nothing wrong, especially during a crucial week as we prepare to sign the Tax Reform Bills,” Atoyebi said. “FCTA, you have erred gravely; FIRS owes you nothing.”
She alleged that the FCTA was looking for someone to blame and warned that such actions could harm the agency’s operations.
“If you are looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. We should not be your scapegoat when you know full well that the falsehoods you spread in the media and your malicious, illegal actions will harm our operations,” she added.
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Atoyebi also maintained that FIRS has no outstanding ground rent and has settled all obligations up to 2023. “We have the evidence,” she said firmly.
The timing of the shutdown, she noted, couldn’t have been worse. Nigeria is on the verge of finalising sweeping tax reforms, and disruptions like this, according to her, could shake public trust and delay much-needed changes.
Meanwhile, lawmakers at the National Assembly have signalled that the harmonised Tax Reform Bills may be passed as early as Tuesday.
James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, confirmed on Sunday that the House and Senate joint conference committee had wrapped up its work.
“The Conference Committee set up by the House and the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has successfully concluded its work.
“The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections, addressed grey areas in the four Bills, examined each clause strategically, and resolved contentious issues,” he posted on X.
The FCTA had also sealed an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, citing 34 years of unpaid ground rent.