The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar regarding the appointment of Xpress Payments Solutions Limited as one of the platforms for Treasury Single Account (TSA) revenue collection.
The agency described Atiku’s claims as misleading and politically motivated, insisting that the selection of payment service providers is a purely administrative process.
Atiku, in a social media post on Sunday, criticised what he called the federal government’s “quiet appointment” of Xpress Payments.
He argued that the move mirrored the Alpha Beta revenue structure associated with Lagos State during Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor, suggesting it could concentrate revenue control in the hands of a “small circle of vested interests” and risk transforming Nigeria “from a republic to a private holding company.”
His comments followed reports that FIRS had approved XpressPay as part of its multi-channel revenue collection framework, sparking debate over the transparency and fairness of the system.
Responding on Sunday, Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, categorically denied the allegations.
She emphasised that the agency does not operate a single-gateway system and has not granted any private company a monopoly over federal revenue collection.
“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,” Atoyebi said.
She explained that the agency currently operates a multi-channel, multi-payment service provider (PSSP) framework, which includes established digital platforms such as Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact, Flutterwave, and XpressPay.
According to her, the system is designed to make tax payments more convenient and efficient for Nigerians, not to give private companies control over government funds.
Atoyebi further clarified that PSSPs are not collection agents and do not earn processing fees based on the volume of payments or a percentage of government revenue.
All funds paid through these channels flow directly into the Federation Account, with no diversion, intermediaries, or private custody. “No PSSP has access to, or custody of, government funds,” she added.
Atoyebi highlighted that the TSA framework aims to enhance efficiency, promote job creation, expand market opportunities, and ensure transparent onboarding procedures for all payment service providers.
She noted that Nigeria’s ongoing national tax reform, driven by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, is anchored on transparency, efficiency, and wide stakeholder engagement.
“It is grounded in transparency, efficiency, and broad stakeholder engagement.
This reform cannot and should not be dragged into partisan controversy,” she said.
She also urged political actors, including Atiku, to refrain from mischaracterising routine administrative processes for political gain, warning that misinformation could undermine the integrity of the country’s tax system.
“Nigeria’s tax system is too important to be subjected to misinformation or unnecessary alarm,” Atoyebi emphasised.
The FIRS reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and continuous strengthening of Nigeria’s revenue systems to benefit all citizens.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the multi-channel TSA system will expand financial inclusion and digital payment options while maintaining strict safeguards against mismanagement or private interference.
