FIRS Debunks Atiku Abubakar’s Claims, Warns Against Politicising Tax Administration

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has noted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent comments regarding the appointment of Xpress Payments as one of the channels used in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) revenue collection system.

His assertions are incorrect, misleading, and risk unnecessarily politicising a purely administrative and technical process.

For clarity, the FIRS does not operate any exclusive or single-gateway revenue-collection arrangement, and no private entity has been granted a monopoly over government revenues.

The facts are as follows:
The FIRS currently utilises a multi-channel, multi-Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) collection framework, which includes several long-established platforms. These include:

* Quickteller
* Remita
* Etranzact
* Flutterwave
* XpressPay

These PSSPs are part of an expanded, transparent, and competitive ecosystem designed to make tax payment easier and more efficient for Nigerians across the country.

Also, PSSPs are NOT collection agents and DO NOT earn a processing fee per payment, nor a percentage of revenues.

Crucially, all revenues collected through these channels go directly into the Federation Account, without diversion, intermediaries, or private control. No PSSP has access to, or custody of, government funds.

Key Features of the TSA Collection Framework

Opening Up the Scheme to Multiple PSSPs The system has been deliberately broadened to give taxpayers more options and eliminate the dominance of any single provider.

Improved Efficiency
A streamlined monitoring and reporting process ensures greater accountability and enhances national revenue performance.

Job Creation and Market Expansion
By enabling more PSSPs to participate, the system supports innovation, competition, and employment within the financial technology sector.

Transparent Onboarding Process
All PSSPs are admitted through a transparent, open, and verifiable procedure that ensures fairness and equal opportunity.

The ongoing national tax reform, led by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic modernisation. It is grounded in transparency, efficiency, and broad stakeholder engagement. This reform cannot and should not be dragged into partisan controversy.

We therefore urge Mr. Atiku Abubakar and other political actors to refrain from mischaracterising routine administrative processes for political gain. Nigeria’s tax system is too important to be subjected to misinformation or unnecessary alarm.

The FIRS remains fully committed to professionalism, transparency, and the continued strengthening of national revenue systems for the benefit of all Nigerians.