Home Business News BUSINESS & ECONOMY Niger Revenue Service denies alleged irregularities, cites rising IGR performance

Niger Revenue Service denies alleged irregularities, cites rising IGR performance

Key points

  • Niger State Internal Revenue Service dismisses reports of operational irregularities as misleading.
  • Agency says it was not contacted for verification before publication of claims.
  • IGR rises from ₦600m monthly in 2021 to ₦5bn by December 2025.

Main story

The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has refuted media reports alleging irregularities in its operations, describing the claims as unverified and misleading.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said no journalist or media organisation reached out for clarification before publishing the report, insisting that it remains accessible through official communication channels.

“At no time was NGSIRS contacted by any media unit, reporter, or group to verify the information published. To suggest otherwise is malicious and grossly misleading,” the statement read.

The Service rejected assertions that it was unreachable, maintaining that it operates an open-door policy and is committed to transparency and engagement with both the media and the public.

While acknowledging the existence of revenue leakages, the agency noted that such challenges are not unique to Niger State but are common among tax authorities globally.

It added that efforts to identify and block leakages are ongoing, driven by reforms and improved operational systems.

The issues

Revenue leakages remain a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s tax administration, often undermining government efforts to boost internally generated revenue (IGR).

Concerns around transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection agencies have also drawn increased scrutiny from the public and media.

What’s being said

The Niger State Internal Revenue Service highlighted significant growth in the state’s revenue profile, attributing it to reforms, stronger enforcement, and the adoption of technology-driven systems.

According to the agency, monthly IGR has increased from an average of ₦600 million in 2021 to about ₦5 billion as of December 2025.

It said the improvement reflects deliberate strategies to expand the tax base, enhance compliance, and plug leakages in line with broader reforms across Nigeria’s tax system.

The agency also urged media practitioners to uphold professional standards, emphasising the importance of verification and balanced reporting.

“Our doors are open to legitimate inquiries… we urge journalists to uphold the ethics of verification and balance before publication,” it stated.

What’s next

The NGSIRS says it will continue strengthening revenue generation mechanisms and improving transparency in its operations.

It is also expected to sustain engagement with stakeholders, including the media, to address concerns and improve public confidence.

Bottom line

While denying allegations of irregularities, the Niger Revenue Service points to improved revenue performance as evidence of ongoing reforms. The credibility of its claims will depend on sustained transparency and measurable outcomes in revenue administration.

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