Abubakar, had in a social media post on Sunday, criticised
the federal government over “the quiet appointment” of Xpress Payments as a new
TSA collecting agent.

The former vice-president described development as a
“dangerous resurrection of the Alpha Beta revenue cartel that dominated Lagos
state during and after the Tinubu years” as a governor.

The politician warned that the development represents an
attempt to nationalise the same model, effectively transforming Nigeria “from a
republic to a private holding company controlled by a small circle of vested
interests”.

His statement comes four days after the FIRS’ appointment of
XpressPay was reported.

Responding in a statement on Sunday, Aderonke Atoyebi,
technical assistant on broadcast media to the chairman of FIRS, described
Abubakar’s assertions as “incorrect, misleading, and risk unnecessarily
politicising a purely administrative and technical process”.

“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 said the agency currently utilises a multi-channel,
multi-payment solution service provider (PSSP) collection framework, which
includes several long-established platforms.

The platforms are Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact,
Flutterwave, and XpressPay, Atoyebi said.

According to the FIRS official, the PSSPs form part of an
expanded, transparent, and competitive ecosystem designed to make tax payment
easier and more efficient for Nigerians.

“Also, PSSPs are NOT collection agents and DO NOT earn a
processing fee per payment, nor a percentage of revenues,” she said.

“Crucially, all revenues collected through these channels go
directly into the Federation Account, without diversion, intermediaries, or
private control. No PSSP has access to, or custody of, government funds.”

Atoyebi noted that the main features of the TSA collection
framework include allowing multiple PSSPs to participate, enhancing efficiency,
promoting job creation and market growth, and ensuring a transparent onboarding
process.

The technical assistant said the ongoing national tax
reform, led by the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, is
a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic modernisation.

“It is grounded in transparency, efficiency, and broad
stakeholder engagement. This reform cannot and should not be dragged into
partisan controversy,” she said.

“We therefore urge Mr. Atiku Abubakar and other political
actors to refrain from mischaracterising routine administrative processes for
political gain. Nigeria’s tax system is too important to be subjected to
misinformation or unnecessary alarm.”

Atoyebi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to
professionalism, transparency, and the continued strengthening of national
revenue systems for the benefit of all Nigerians.