Federal Inland Revenue Service Denies Owing 25 Years Ground Rent in FCT
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has strongly denied allegations by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) that it owes ground rent for 25 years.
In a statement released today, the FIRS described the claims as “falsehood” and “untrue”, stating that all ground rent dues have been paid up to 2023.
According to the FIRS, documents are available to support their claims of payment, and they have been requesting a receipt from the FCTA since February 19th, 2024, but to no avail. The agency expressed surprise and disappointment at the FCTA’s failure to provide a receipt, despite repeated requests.
The FIRS also countered the FCTA’s claims, stating that it has been the FCTA that has been asking the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to provide receipts, but they have not done so.
This, the FIRS argues, is a clear indication that the FCTA is attempting to shift the blame and create a false narrative.
“We are shocked and disappointed by the FCTA’s allegations. We have always been diligent in our payment of ground rent, and we have documents to prove it. We request that the FCTA provides evidence to support their claims, rather than relying on falsehoods and misinformation,” said a spokesperson for the FIRS.
The FIRS has called on the FCTA to retract their statement and apologize for the misinformation. The agency has also threatened to take further action if the FCTA continues to spread false information about their payment of ground rent.
The controversy surrounding the ground rent payments has been ongoing for several weeks, with the FCTA claiming that the FIRS owes millions of naira in unpaid ground rent. However, the FIRS has consistently denied these claims, stating that they have paid all dues up to 2023.
The dispute has raised questions about the management of public finances and the transparency of government agencies. The FIRS has called for an independent investigation into the matter, to clear its name and establish the truth about the ground rent payments.
The FCTA has yet to respond to the FIRS’ statement, but sources close to the agency have indicated that they stand by their claims. The FCDA has also declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing discussions with the FCTA and the FIRS.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability in government agencies. Others have expressed concern about the potential impact on the economy and the reputation of the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the truth about the ground rent payments must be established, and those responsible for spreading false information must be held accountable.
