“The government must forsake this Lagos-style revenue cartelization and revert to transparency, constitutionalism, and accountability,” – Atiku
Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to be transparent with Nigerians following the discreet appointment of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited as a new collecting agent under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework.
Atiku, in a statement released on Sunday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, cautioned that this action resembles what he termed the “resurrection of a revenue cartel” akin to the Alpha Beta model that once controlled the finances of Lagos State.
Characterizing the decision as more than just a routine administrative adjustment, Atiku expressed concern that the new setup threatens to establish a “private toll gate around public revenue,” diverting national funds into the hands of politically connected individuals.
He contended that this development indicates an effort to “nationalise” a system that previously permitted a limited group of individuals to dominate state resources.
“At a time when Nigerians are grieving for loved ones lost to rising insecurity, implementing such a policy is not only callous but also exemplifies governance by stealth,” Atiku stated. “Leadership should demonstrate compassion during a period of national mourning, rather than broaden private revenue streams.”
Atiku urged the Federal Government to clarify why the appointment was made in secrecy, without public consultation, stakeholder involvement, or oversight from the National Assembly.
He inquired about the value that the newly appointed firm brings to the existing TSA channels, and who ultimately stands to gain from this decision.
“This is nor reforms. This is state capture masquerading as digital innovation.” He declared.
The previous PDP flag bearer urged for prompt action, outlining the following requests:
1. Immediate halt of the Xpress Payments appointment while an open inquiry is conducted.
2. Complete transparency regarding contractual terms, fee structures, beneficiaries, and the criteria employed for selecting the company.
3. A thorough audit of all TSA operations to avert what he termed as the gradual privatisation of national revenue.
4. A definitive legal framework — rather than executive shortcuts — to prevent private intermediaries from infiltrating essential government revenue processes.
5. A governance approach aligned with national security, emphasizing that a nation grappling with extensive insecurity cannot afford to have non-transparent financial arrangements.
Atiku emphasized that Nigeria’s public revenues are “not political spoils” but essential resources needed to stabilize communities in the face of escalating insecurity.
“The government must forsake this Lagos-style revenue cartelisation and revert to transparency, constitutionalism, and accountability,” he concluded.
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