The Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) has responded to a recent media report alleging irregularities within its operations, firmly rejecting the claims and criticising the publication for failing to verify its information before going public.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency’s management expressed concern over what it described as inaccurate reporting, insisting that it was never contacted by the media outlet responsible for the claims. According to the Service, suggestions that it was unavailable or unwilling to respond are unfounded.
“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.
Addressing concerns about revenue leakages, the agency acknowledged that such challenges exist but stressed that they are not unique to Niger State. It noted that revenue authorities worldwide face similar issues and must continuously work to address them.
“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,” the statement stated.
The Service also used the opportunity to highlight its performance in recent years, pointing to a significant rise in internally generated revenue (IGR). It attributed this growth to ongoing reforms, improved enforcement mechanisms, and the integration of technology into its operations.
“The outcome of our reforms and enforcement drive is evident in the continuous growth of the State’s Internally Generated Revenue. NGSIRS has moved the State’s revenue profile from a paltry N600 million monthly average in 2021 to an average of N5 billion monthly as at December 2025,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the agency emphasized that it remains open to engagement with both the media and the public, encouraging responsible and balanced reporting.
“Our doors are open to legitimate inquiries, oversight, and constructive engagement from the media and the public. We urge journalists to uphold the ethics of verification and balance before publication,” it said.
Despite the controversy, NGSIRS maintained that it will remain focused on its core mandate of improving revenue generation to support the development of Niger State, noting that unverified reports will not distract it from its objectives.
