KEY POINTS

• The TSA collection framework remains fully competitive.
• FIRS says no company has monopoly control.
• Accusations risk politicising the TSA collection framework.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has denied reports that it hired a monopoly collection agent for the Treasury Single Account system, saying that its operations are still open and competitive.

The clarification follows public accusations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who alleged that Xpress Payments received a special revenue-collection role.

FIRS defends TSA collection framework

In a statement issued by Arabinrin Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the FIRS Executive Chairman, the agency described Atiku’s claims as misleading and potentially harmful to an otherwise technical process. The agency said it does not operate a single gateway for government revenue and has not granted any private firm exclusive control.

The Service said it currently uses a multi-channel system with several long-standing Payment Solution Service Providers, including Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact, Flutterwave and XpressPay. The goal, it said, is to ensure broad access and improved efficiency for taxpayers nationwide.

FIRS also stressed that these PSSPs are not collection agents and do not earn revenue commissions or percentages. All payments made across the approved channels, it added, move directly into the Federation Account without stopping in any private system.

TSA collection framework highlighted

The agency also highlighted key features of the current TSA collection framework, including open access for multiple players, strengthened efficiency, transparent onboarding and wider job opportunities in the digital payments space.

It described the ongoing national tax reform programme led by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms as a core pillar of Nigeria’s economic overhaul.

Furthermore, the reforms, it said, are designed to modernise revenue processes and align the country with global standards.

FIRS further maintained that the TSA collection framework will continue operating as a fully transparent, multi-platform ecosystem, countering any impressions of centralised control or private custody of public funds.