He argued that this arrangement could undermine transparency and funnel public funds into private or politically connected hands.
FIRS rejected these allegations, calling them “incorrect, misleading” and politically motivated.
The agency clarified that it does not operate a single-gateway or exclusive revenue-collection system.
According to FIRS, no private company has custody of government funds through these payment channels.
FIRS says it uses a multi-channel, multi-PSSP (Payment Solution Service Provider) system.
The listed PSSPs include Quickteller, Remita, Etranzact, Flutterwave, and XpressPay.
These PSSPs are not collection agents, and they do not receive a percentage of revenues or processing fees.
All funds collected via these platforms go directly into the Federation Account, with no private diversion.
FIRS emphasizes that the onboarding process for these PSSPs is transparent, competitive, and verifiable.
The goal, according to FIRS, is to improve efficiency, promote innovation, create jobs, and expand market access for fintechs.
The agency also links this to the ongoing national tax reforms, saying the reforms should not be “politicised.”
FIRS warned political actors, including Atiku, not to mischaracterise administrative processes for partisan gain.
They reiterated their commitment to professionalism, transparency, and strengthening the national revenue-collection system.
Key Implications
This isn’t just about Xpress Payments — it reflects larger efforts by FIRS to modernize tax collection through multiple digital platforms.
FIRS is making a strong case that its payment system is decentralized and competitive, not dependent on a single private gatekeeper.
The fintech sector is being integrated into national revenue infrastructure, potentially boosting innovation and employment.
Politicisation of technical tax-administration matters is a real risk FIRS is calling out, they view some criticism as not just policy debate, but misinformation.
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