Niger Revenue Service Denies Irregularities Report, Cites Media Misinformation
The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has firmly dismissed recent media reports alleging irregularities in its operations, labeling the claims as misleading and unverified. In a statement released on Wednesday, the agency clarified that no journalist or media organization contacted it for verification prior to publication, underscoring its commitment to open communication channels.
Service Rejects Allegations of Inaccessibility
NGSIRS emphasized that it was never approached by any media unit, reporter, or group to confirm the information published, describing such suggestions as malicious and grossly misleading. The Service rejected notions of being unreachable, asserting that it maintains an open-door policy and is dedicated to engaging with both the media and the public to foster transparency.
Acknowledgment of Revenue Leakages as a Global Issue
While acknowledging the existence of revenue leakages, the agency noted that this challenge is not unique to Niger State but is a widespread issue confronting tax authorities globally. It stated that its teams work diligently on a daily basis to identify and block these leakages, often without public fanfare, as the focus remains on achieving tangible results rather than generating headlines.
Significant Progress in Revenue Generation Highlighted
The agency highlighted substantial progress in revenue generation, attributing improvements to ongoing reforms, strengthened enforcement measures, and the deployment of technology-driven systems. Specifically, it reported that the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) has surged from an average of N600 million monthly in 2021 to approximately N5 billion monthly as of December 2025.
This increase reflects deliberate efforts to expand the tax base, enhance compliance rates, and plug systemic leakages—an approach aligned with broader tax reform trends across Nigeria, where authorities have increasingly utilized digital tools and policy adjustments to boost revenue performance.
Call for Media Professionalism and Verification
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, NGSIRS urged media practitioners to uphold professional standards by ensuring proper verification and balanced reporting. The agency emphasized that its doors remain open to legitimate inquiries, oversight, and constructive engagement from the media and the public, encouraging journalists to adhere to ethical practices of verification and balance before publication.
Focus on Revenue Strengthening Amid Distractions
Despite what it described as distractions from unverified reports, the agency maintained its focus on strengthening revenue generation and supporting the development of Niger State. The statement was officially signed by Usman Umar, Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Executive Chairman of NGSIRS, reinforcing the agency's stance on the matter.
