Business, News

Tax Enforcement Drama: FIRS/NRS Moves Against OPay Ignite Debate on Compliance

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 13th, 2026.

Abuja, Nigeria , Tax authorities in Nigeria have reportedly taken action against fintech firm OPay Digital Services Limited, with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and its successor agency, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), said to have sealed the company’s offices in Lagos and Abuja over alleged breaches of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025relating to Value Added Tax (VAT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT). The development has sparked intense public interest and raised questions about how digital platforms navigate regulatory obligations in Nigeria’s expanding tech economy.

Videos and social media posts circulating widely on Wednesday showed notices affixed to the fintech’s premises in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, purportedly placed by tax enforcement agents. The notices reportedly warned that the seals must not be removed without authorisation from the FIRS executive chairman, suggesting an escalation in the compliance dispute.

However, OPay has firmly denied that its offices were shut down, with the company describing the reports as “false and misleading.” In a statement quoted by Premium Times Nigeria, OPay said its offices remain “open and fully operational” and that it continues to serve customers, partners and merchants without disruption. Daily Trust also reported the company’s rebuttal, stressing that the claims of closures are unverified and inaccurate.

“Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational… We continue to serve our customers, partners and merchants without disruption.” OPay’s statement read, underscoring its position that it engages with regulatory authorities constructively and transparently.

Tax experts note that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 widened the tax compliance framework for corporations, including digital firms and fintech platforms, amid efforts to broaden Nigeria’s tax base. Analysts say digital services that fast‑scale often find themselves under heightened scrutiny as regulators seek remittances for VAT and income taxes that may not previously have been enforced rigorously.

Public policy commentators have pointed to similar tensions in global markets as governments tighten oversight of foreign‑backed tech firms. Observers on social media, including industry watchers on Twitter, have highlighted parallels with international debates over data control, local compliance and regulatory enforcement.

Although neither the FIRS nor the NRS has issued a detailed public statement confirming the sealing action, the conflicting accounts from regulatory supporters and OPay have left fintech users and industry stakeholders watching closely.

The unfolding situation is expected to have implications not only for OPay but for other digital payment providers operating in Nigeria, especially as regulators step up enforcement under newly strengthened tax laws.