The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for what it described as an “embarrassing invasion” and sealing of two of its offices in Abuja over alleged non-payment of ground rent. The tax agency, in a statement on Monday, described the FCTA’s action as unjustified and based on an error, claiming that the rent had been fully paid long before the incident.
According to the FIRS, the demand notice from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for ground rent covering 25 years had been honoured in December 2023, with a payment of N2.36 million. However, despite repeated requests for a receipt, the FCTA failed to issue one, leading to a breakdown in communication. The FIRS stated that rather than resolving the matter administratively, FCTA officials chose to storm and seal its offices at No. 12 and No. 14 Sokode Crescent in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
FIRS officials expressed outrage, describing the incident as a case of administrative negligence and a public embarrassment to a federal agency. The tax body has demanded a formal apology from the FCTA, warning that such actions undermine inter-agency collaboration and public trust.
