FIRS vs. Wike: Tensions Soar Over Sh*cking Office Shutdown

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for shutting down one of its offices in Abuja, describing the action as both “malicious” and “unprofessional.”

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

Atoyebi claimed that the FCTA’s actions on Monday morning were an attempt to make the FIRS a scapegoat, calling the move disruptive and baseless.

“It’s extremely unprofessional for the Wike-led FCTA to shut down our office and obstruct our staff from performing their duties — especially when we’ve done nothing wrong,” she said.

“This comes at a critical time when we’re preparing to sign the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you goofed big time. FIRS is not owing you.”

She further warned the FCTA against spreading falsehoods in the media and emphasized that the action could negatively impact FIRS operations.

“If you’re looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. We won’t be used as scapegoats. The false claims and this malicious, unlawful action are damaging.

FIRS has no outstanding dues — we’ve paid through to 2023 and can back it up with evidence,” Atoyebi asserted.

Meanwhile, the FCTA also sealed an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Wuse, Abuja, citing 34 years of unpaid ground rent as the reason. The move is part of a broader clampdown on property owners defaulting on statutory payments.

According to a letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, the property is officially allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, not Access Bank directly.

Invoking the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Minister Wike exercised his authority to revoke all rights, interests, and privileges concerning Plot No. 2456 in Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja.