Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has slammed the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a new collecting agent under the Treasury Single Account, TSA, framework of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.
In a statement via his verified X on Sunday, Atiku described the move as a dangerous attempt to revive the Alpha Beta-style revenue model, which, he said, operated in Lagos during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
He also alleged that the appointment amounted to the resurrection of a revenue cartel similar to Alpha Beta, which he said created a monopoly that funnelled public funds into private hands.
The ex-Vice President cautioned that the development signalled an attempt to nationalise a template that places private intermediaries between government revenue and the state, thereby undermining transparency and public accountability.
He equally alleged that the Federal Government was taking the decision quietly, without public consultation, legislative oversight, or stakeholder engagement.
He questioned the haste behind the appointment and demanded clarification on what value Xpress Payments would add to existing TSA channels.
According to him, the opacity surrounding the process raises concerns about whose interests the decision truly serves.
He argued that the timing of the policy was insensitive, noting that it came at a moment when the country was grappling with escalating insecurity and widespread public grief.
“Governance at a time of national tragedy should prioritise empathy and security, not expanding private revenue pipelines.
“This appointment represents state capture masquerading as digital innovation. Nigeria does not need additional private intermediaries in its revenue system.
“Let there be strengthened institutions, improved transparency and a tax structure free from political influence,” he said.
