Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out strongly against the Nigerian government’s recent decision to appoint Xpress Payments Solutions Limited as a new agent to collect government revenue through the Treasury Single Account (TSA). He says this move is not just an administrative change but a dangerous attempt to revive a corrupt system known as the Alpha Beta revenue cartel, which benefited a small, politically connected group during and after the Tinubu administration.
Atiku explained that the Alpha Beta model acted like a private toll gate around public funds, funneling money into the pockets of a monopoly controlled by powerful interests. Now, he warns, the government is trying to turn Nigeria into a private company controlled by a small elite, which is a step away from turning the country into a privatized entity rather than a democratic republic.
He criticized the timing of this policy, pointing out that it was introduced during a period of national tragedy, when many Nigerians are mourning loved ones due to worsening insecurity. He called this move insensitive and described it as a stealthy way of governing behind closed doors, instead of focusing on protecting lives and showing empathy during such difficult times.
Atiku also questioned why the appointment was made hastily without proper public consultation, stakeholder input, or oversight by Nigeria’s National Assembly. He asked what value Xpress Payments adds over the existing TSA channels and who truly benefits—Nigeria or a small political network.
He warned that this is not a real reform but a form of state capture, where private interests control public revenue under the guise of digital innovation. He stressed that Nigeria needs greater transparency, stronger institutions, and a fair tax system—without more middlemen between the people and their money.
He called for the immediate suspension of the appointment of Xpress Payments until a full public inquiry is conducted. He demanded full disclosure of the contractual details, who benefits, the fee structures, and how the selection was made. He also urged a comprehensive audit of TSA operations to prevent privatization of revenue collection.
Furthermore, he emphasized that Nigeria must establish legal frameworks to prevent private interests from controlling core government revenue systems, rather than relying on executive orders. He concluded that national security must be the top priority, especially during a time when insecurity is tearing the country apart.
Finally, Atiku warned that Nigeria’s revenue is vital for the country’s survival and should not be treated as political spoils. He urged the government to reject Lagos-style revenue cartelization and instead return to principles of transparency, constitutionalism, and accountability for the good of all Nigerians.
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