Niger Revenue Service Refutes Media Allegations, Emphasizes Transparency
The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has dismissed a recent media report alleging irregularities in its operations, emphasizing that no journalist or media organization contacted the agency for verification prior to publication.
In a statement issued by Usman Umar, SA Special Duties to the Executive Chairman of NGSIRS, on Wednesday, the Service described claims that it was unreachable as “malicious and grossly misleading,” reaffirming its open-door policy and accessibility through official communication channels.
“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 asserted.
The agency recognized that revenue leakages remain a challenge but noted that this is not unique to Niger State, highlighting that revenue authorities worldwide face similar issues.
“Revenue leakages are not exclusive to NGSIRS. They are a primary challenge for revenue authorities globally. Our teams work daily to identify and prevent these leakages, often without publicity, focusing on results rather than headlines,” it stated.
Highlighting its achievements, the Service reported a substantial increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), attributing this growth to reforms, enforcement efforts, and technological deployment.
“The success of our reforms and enforcement initiatives is evident in the continued growth of the State’s IGR. NGSIRS has elevated the State’s revenue from an average of N600 million monthly in 2021 to N5 billion as of December 2025,” the statement added.
The agency reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability, urging the media to adhere to professional standards.
“Our doors remain open to legitimate inquiries, oversight, and constructive engagement from the media and the public. We appeal to journalists to uphold verification and balance ethics before publication,” it emphasized.
NGSIRS concluded that it would not be distracted by unverified reports, reaffirming its focus on enhancing revenue collection for the development of Niger State.
