Atiku Faults FIRS for Re-Introducing ‘Private Revenue Middlemen’, Warns Against Return of Alpha Beta Model

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a new collecting agent under the Treasury Single Account (TSA), describing the move as a dangerous drift toward re-establishing private revenue monopolies.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday, Atiku said the decision by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) mirrors the controversial Alpha Beta arrangement which, according to him, operated in Lagos during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as governor.

Atiku argued that the development amounted to the “resurrection of a revenue cartel,” insisting it would place private intermediaries between government income and the state—a model he said undermines accountability and transparency.

He also accused the Federal Government of quietly taking the decision without public engagement, legislative scrutiny, or stakeholder consultations. He questioned the haste surrounding the appointment and demanded clarity on the actual value Xpress Payments would add to existing TSA channels.

According to him, the opaque manner in which the firm emerged raises doubts about whose interests the policy truly serves.

Atiku further described the timing as insensitive, noting that the country is still reeling from heightened insecurity and widespread public grief.

“At a moment of national tragedy, governance should emphasise empathy and security—not the expansion of private revenue pipelines,” he said.

The former Vice President maintained that the move reflected “state capture disguised as digital innovation,” insisting that what the country needs is stronger public institutions, improved transparency, and a tax administration system insulated from political influence.

“Nigeria does not require additional private middlemen in its revenue system. Let there be strengthened institutions and a modernised, transparent process free from undue political interests,” he added.