FIRS Condemns FCTA Over Office Closure, Denies Owing Ground Rent

 


The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strongly criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing one of its offices in Abuja, calling the action “malicious” and “unprofessional.”

In a statement issued via X (formerly Twitter), Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, accused the FCTA of unfairly targeting the agency without justification.

“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, thereby disrupting staff from carrying out their duties—especially during a critical week when we are finalising the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you have erred gravely. FIRS owes you nothing,” Atoyebi said.

She further alleged that the FCTA was attempting to make FIRS a scapegoat in a broader campaign against defaulters, warning that the action could severely impact the agency’s operations.

“If you’re looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere,” she added. “The malicious misinformation being circulated will only damage the integrity of your office and hinder national tax administration.”

Atoyebi asserted that FIRS had cleared all rent obligations up to 2023, stating emphatically, “We have the evidence. For the past 25 years, FIRS has owed the FCTA nothing.”

The incident, she noted, comes at a delicate time for Nigeria’s fiscal system, as the National Assembly moves to finalise the much-anticipated harmonised Tax Reform Bills. She warned that such administrative clashes could weaken public trust and stall vital policy implementation.

Analysts have expressed concern that rising tensions between key government bodies could disrupt public service delivery and create institutional instability.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly confirmed that the harmonised Tax Reform Bills are expected to be passed by Tuesday. James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, stated via his X account that the Conference Committee had concluded its work, resolving all contentious provisions in the bills.

Earlier reports had confirmed that the FCTA sealed the FIRS office, along with an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Zone 6, Wuse, over alleged non-payment of ground rent spanning 34 years.

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