The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strongly denied allegations that it owes 25 years’ worth of ground rent on its properties in Abuja, describing a recent move by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as an “unjustifiable invasion” of its offices.
Officials of the FCTA reportedly stormed two FIRS buildings located at Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, over claims of non-payment. In response, the revenue agency has insisted that it had fully settled its obligations, having paid a total of ₦2,364,003.26 in ground rent covering the period from 2000 to 2024.
According to FIRS, the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) has yet to issue a treasury receipt acknowledging the payment, despite receiving the funds. The agency expressed its dismay at what it termed the “rascality” and overreach of the FCTA’s actions, which it argues were carried out without proper verification.
“The Federal Inland Revenue Service is a law-abiding organisation and does not owe ground rent on any of its offices within the FCT,” the agency stated. It further demanded a formal apology from the FCTA, stressing that the incident undermines inter-agency cooperation and public confidence.