FoI: ICADAR Demands Transparency from FIRS Over Foreign Tax Pact, TSA Collection Deal

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The Impacthive Centre for Accountability, Democracy and Rights (ICADAR) has formally invoked the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to demand full disclosure from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on a recently signed international tax agreement and the engagement of a private firm as a Treasury Single Account collecting agent.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of FIRS at the agency’s headquarters on Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, ICADAR requested specific information to be made available within seven working days, as stipulated by law. The request, dated and submitted in line with the Freedom of Information Act, underscores the organisation’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial administration.

ICADAR is seeking a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between FIRS and the French tax authority, the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP). According to the request, access to the document is necessary to enable public scrutiny of the terms, scope and implications of the agreement entered into by Nigeria’s tax authority with its French counterpart.

The organisation also requested detailed information on the procedure followed in the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a Treasury Single Account collecting agent. Beyond the process of appointment, ICADAR is demanding clarity on the individuals behind Xpress Payment Solutions Limited and the percentage of national revenue the company is authorised to collect as compensation for its services.

In the letter, ICADAR stressed that the requested information should be furnished within the time frame mandated by the Act and made available electronically via its official email address. The group noted that compliance with the request would demonstrate FIRS’ commitment to openness and responsible governance.

The request was signed by the Executive Director of ICADAR, Dr. Bello Ishaq, who expressed appreciation in advance for the cooperation of the tax authority in ensuring transparency and accountability in matters of public interest.

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