Niger IRS Denies Media Report On Alleged Irregularities, Defends Revenue Record

The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has rejected a recent media report (not LEADERSHIP) alleging operational irregularities, insisting that the claims were published without any attempt to verify facts from the agency.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Usman Umar, Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Executive Chairman of NGSIRS, the Service faulted suggestions that it was unreachable, describing the report as “malicious and grossly misleading,” and maintaining that it operates an open-door communication policy accessible to journalists and stakeholders.

“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 said.

The agency acknowledged that revenue leakages remain a challenge within its operations but stressed that such issues are not unique to Niger State, noting that tax authorities globally face similar constraints in revenue administration.

“Revenue leakages are not unique to NGSIRS. They remain the principal challenge faced by revenue authorities globally. Our teams work daily to identify and block these leakages, often without publicity, as our focus is on results, not headlines,” it added.

Despite the challenges, NGSIRS highlighted what it described as significant progress in internally generated revenue (IGR) profile, attributing the improvement to ongoing reforms, enforcement measures, and the adoption of technology-driven processes.

According to the Service, Niger State’s monthly revenue profile has grown substantially, rising from an average of about N600 million in 2021 to approximately N5 billion as of December 2025.

“The outcome of our reforms and enforcement drive is evident in the continuous growth of the State’s Internally Generated Revenue,” the statement noted.

NGSIRS reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and engagement with the media, while urging journalists to adhere strictly to professional ethics of verification and balance in reporting.

“Our doors are open to legitimate inquiries, oversight, and constructive engagement from the media and the public,” it said. “We urge journalists to uphold the ethics of verification and balance before publication.”

The agency added that it would not be distracted by what it termed unverified reports, reaffirming its focus on strengthening revenue generation for the development of Niger State.