The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strongly criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing one of its offices in Abuja, describing the action as “malicious” and “unprofessional.”
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, condemned the move and accused the FCTA of unfairly targeting the agency.
“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to shut down our office, hindering staff from carrying out their duties especially during such a critical period as we prepare to sign the Tax Reform Bills,” Atoyebi said. “FCTA, you have erred gravely. FIRS owes you nothing.”
She further alleged that the FCTA was attempting to make FIRS a scapegoat, stating, “If you’re looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. The falsehoods you’re spreading and your illegal actions will only damage our operations.”
Atoyebi firmly denied any outstanding rent obligations, asserting that FIRS had cleared all ground rent payments up to 2023. “We have the evidence,” she said, challenging the FCTA’s justification for the closure.
The incident occurs at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s fiscal policy, as the National Assembly prepares to pass major tax reform legislation. Atoyebi warned that disruptions like this could undermine public trust and delay vital reforms.
Analysts have expressed concern that escalating conflicts between government agencies could impair service delivery and create broader institutional instability.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is expected to pass the harmonized Tax Reform Bills by Tuesday. James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, confirmed via X that the joint Senate-House committee had concluded its review and resolved contentious clauses across the four bills.
Earlier reports indicated that the FCTA also sealed an Access Bank branch and a Total fuel station in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, over unpaid ground rent dating back 34 years.
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