The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strongly criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing off one of its offices in Abuja, calling the action “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 deliberately targeting the agency without justification.
“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. FCTA, you have erred gravely; FIRS owes you nothing,” Atoyebi stated.
She further alleged that the FCTA attempted to use the tax agency as a scapegoat. “If you are looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere,” she warned. “We should not be your scapegoat when you know full well that the falsehoods you spread and your malicious, illegal actions will harm our operations.”
Atoyebi insisted that the FIRS had no outstanding rent payments to the FCTA, stressing that all obligations had been cleared up to 2023. “We have the evidence,” she declared.
She also expressed concern that the timing of the disruption—just as Nigeria prepares to finalise major tax reform legislation—could damage public confidence and hinder progress on key fiscal policies.
The standoff comes as the National Assembly prepares to pass the harmonised Tax Reform Bills. James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and head of the harmonisation team, announced on Sunday via X that the Conference Committee had concluded its review.
“The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections, addressed grey areas in the four Bills, examined each clause strategically, and resolved contentious issues,” Faleke noted.
Earlier reports revealed that the FCTA sealed the FIRS office alongside an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Wuse Zone 6 over alleged non-payment of ground rent spanning 34 years.
Analysts warn that the growing friction between federal agencies could disrupt service delivery and create broader institutional instability.
