By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has stated that it has fully settled its obligatory ground rent, stressing that it is not indebted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The organisation condemned the closure of one of its offices in Abuja, calling the action “malicious” and “unprofessional”.
This is contained in a statement released by the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media FIRS’ Chairman, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, on X on Monday.
The agency accused the FCTA of targeting it unfairly.
“It’s so unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, distracting staff going about their duties when we did nothing wrong,” Atoyebi stated. “Especially in a crucial week like this when we are looking forward to signing the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you goofed big time, FIRS isn’t owing you.”
According to the statement, FIRS accused the FCTA of attempting to use it as a scapegoat.
“If you are looking for a fall guy, please move further,” the statement added.
“We shouldn’t be your scapegoat when you know well that the lies you spread in the media and your malicious/illegal action will hurt our operations.”
The FIRS maintained that it has no outstanding rent payments to the FCTA for the past 25 years and insists that its obligations have been settled up to 2023.
“We have the evidence,” Atoyebi emphasised, pushing back against claims of indebtedness.
The incident comes at a critical moment for Nigeria’s tax system, with major reform legislation expected to be finalised soon.
The FIRS fears that such disruptions could undermine public confidence and delay implementation of key fiscal policies.
The FCTA earlier on Monday sealed off some organisations including a branch of Access Bank, FIRS and Total Filling Station in Abuja.
