‘You goofed big time’ – FIRS slams Wike-led FCTA over office closure

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has lashed out at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing off one of its offices in Abuja over alleged ground rent arrears, describing the move as “malicious” and “unprofessional.”

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, accused the FCTA, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, of unfairly targeting the agency.

“It’s so unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, distracting staff who were diligently carrying out their duties—especially in a critical week like this when we are finalising the Tax Reform Bills,” Atoyebi wrote. “FCTA, you goofed big time. FIRS isn’t owing you.”

She further alleged that the FCTA was attempting to make FIRS a scapegoat in its ongoing enforcement actions.

“If you’re looking for a fall guy, please move further,” she added. “We shouldn’t be your scapegoat when you know full well that the lies you’re spreading in the media and your malicious, illegal action will hurt our operations.”

FIRS firmly denied owing any ground rent, insisting that it has fulfilled all financial obligations to the FCTA up to 2023.

“We have the evidence,” Atoyebi stressed, dismissing the claim of a 25-year debt as baseless.