Ex-FIRS Boss Opens Up On ‘Last-minute N11 billion Approval For Contracts, Others’

Ex-FIRS Boss Opens Up On ‘Last-minute N11 billion Approval For Contracts, Others’

The former Chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, has responded to a media report accusing him of suspiciously approving N11 billion in payments to various contractors and consultants after his removal from office.

Nami took to his social media platform to deny the report, stating that he did not make any such approvals as claimed. He expressed his disappointment with the sensationalized nature of the story, emphasizing that it misrepresented the routine aspects of his work to tarnish his reputation.

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The Cable newspaper had reported that Nami authorized payments totaling N11 billion to multiple beneficiaries, including contractors and consultants, after leaving office. This included substantial sums for express payments and various projects.

Nami clarified that all decisions and existing liabilities during his tenure were detailed in the handover notes provided to his successor, Zacch Adedeji. He emphasized that no payments were made after the announcement of his pre-retirement leave, and any approval is just one step in the payment process.

He further explained that the N5 billion allocated to the Joint Tax Board (JTB) was for funding the activities of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms, two months prior to his departure. This allocation was in response to a directive from the Office of the President.

Nami defended the integrity of his actions during his time in office, asserting that he operated within the boundaries of the law and exercised his authority as Executive Chairman lawfully. He also highlighted the significant increase in revenue during his tenure, leaving a substantial surplus upon his departure.

Additionally, Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, confirmed that N5 billion was allocated to his committee, with over N4 billion still intact in the JTB account. This funding was designated for a national “Data for Tax” project, among other budgeted items for the committee’s operations and engagements. The committee operates on a volunteer basis, with members receiving allowances to cover expenses. Oyedele assured that all expenses are meticulously documented and available for audit.

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