The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing off one of its offices in Abuja, describing the action as a violation of inter-agency protocol and an attempt to obstruct the agency’s lawful operations.
In a statement published on Sunday through the verified X account of its Executive Chairman’s Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media, Aderonke Atoyebi, the FIRS condemned the move, asserting that it had no outstanding rent liabilities to the FCTA.
The agency described the shutdown as “malicious” and “unprofessional,” especially at a time when Nigeria is finalizing critical tax reform legislation.
“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, disrupting staff from performing their duties when we have done nothing wrong,” the statement read. “FCTA, you have erred gravely. FIRS owes you nothing.”
Atoyebi further stated that all obligations related to rent had been settled through 2023 with documentary evidence to support the position.
She accused the FCTA of unfair targeting, noting that the agency had become a scapegoat in a broader conflict that had no legal or fiscal merit.
“If you are looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. We are not indebted, and you are aware your actions are baseless,” she added.
The office shutdown comes amid heightened focus on Nigeria’s tax framework with the National Assembly preparing to pass the harmonised Tax Reform Bills.
The FIRS warned that such disruptions could undermine confidence in the ongoing fiscal reforms and delay key policy implementations.
“This is a crucial week for the country’s tax system. Any attempt to derail our operations at this stage risks long-term consequences for national revenue mobilisation,” Atoyebi stated.
The FCTA had earlier sealed several properties, including the FIRS office, over alleged non-payment of ground rent spanning more than three decades. Other affected entities included a commercial bank branch and a fuel station in Wuse, Abuja.
However, the FIRS maintained that its own record does not reflect any such debt and that the enforcement was unwarranted.
James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, confirmed over the weekend that the harmonisation process for the Tax Reform Bills had concluded with the final version expected to be adopted by Tuesday.
The legislative effort is part of broader fiscal reforms aimed at improving efficiency, compliance, and government revenue.
The standoff between the FIRS and FCTA highlights growing concerns over institutional overreach and the need for clearer dispute resolution frameworks among government entities.
As the tax authority continues to advance its digital infrastructure and compliance enforcement, clarity on jurisdictional responsibilities remains critical to sustaining reform momentum.
