Amanze Chinonye
A fire outbreak has damaged part of an office of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Abuja, amid ongoing public controversy over alleged discrepancies in recently passed tax reform bills, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FIRS management confirmed that the fire occurred on the morning of December 20, 2025, at its office located at No. 15 Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. The blaze reportedly started on the fourth floor of the building.
According to the statement, the fire was swiftly brought under control by FIRS security personnel, with the support of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service and other emergency responders, preventing it from spreading further. No lives were lost, although several offices on the affected floor sustained damage.
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FIRS said investigations into the incident had commenced, with preliminary assessments pointing to a possible electrical fault as the cause. The agency added that internal safety protocols were being reviewed and strengthened to mitigate against future occurrences.
The incident has attracted heightened attention as it followed a December 17 alert by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, who raised concerns over discrepancies between tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted into law. Dasuki alleged that the gazetted laws contained alterations, including provisions for additional funding and reduced legislative oversight, which were not approved by lawmakers.
Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have described the alleged alterations as unauthorized and called for the suspension of the tax laws pending a comprehensive review. Some commentators have also speculated about possible destruction of evidence following the fire, claims that have not been substantiated by any official investigation.
FIRS has not linked the fire to the tax law controversy and has maintained that most of its records are digitised and publicly archived, reducing the likelihood of critical data loss.
As investigations continue, Prime Business Africa notes that the incident has underscored concerns about the safety of public infrastructure, coming just weeks before the new tax laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
