Tax system too critical for politics, FIRS warns

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed claims that it appointed Xpress Payments as the only platform for collecting government revenue.

It said the allegations were false and could turn a normal administrative issue into a political one.

In a statement signed by Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, the agency also responded to comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

FIRS stressed that it does not run any exclusive or single payment gateway for tax collection, and no private company has been given full control over government revenue.

FIRS explained that it uses a multi-channel system involving several long-standing Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs). These include Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact, Flutterwave, and XpressPay. The idea is to make it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to pay taxes.

The agency added that PSSPs are not government revenue collectors and do not get a percentage or fee from government money. All payments made through these platforms go directly into the Federation Account.

According to FIRS, using multiple platforms improves efficiency, makes monitoring easier, and supports innovation and competition in Nigeria’s fintech industry. It also said that the process of selecting PSSPs is transparent and fair.

FIRS further noted that the ongoing national tax reforms being coordinated by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms are important for modernising the economy and are built on openness and efficiency. These reforms, the agency said, should not be dragged into political disputes.

The agency urged politicians to stop spreading false information about routine administrative matters, saying Nigeria’s tax system is too important to be damaged by unnecessary controversy.