NIPOST: We’ve taken steps to address contradictions in stamp duty collection

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) says it has taken actions to address the legal contradictions contained in a circular published by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

There has been contention between the FIRS and NIPOST over the custodian of stamp duty after the implementation of the stamp duty act.

NIPOST insists that it is empowered with the statutory power to print, mint, produce, retail, and provide adhesive postage stamps.

In a recently released circular, the FIRS said it now has a portal for automated stamp duties collection; where all stamp duties paying citizens, government agencies, institutions, private organisations, including banks, should log into and pay stamp duties.

NIPOST, however, opposed the move by FIRS.

“The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) wishes to draw the attention of the general public to the aforementioned circular issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and hereby inform the public that the Nigerian Postal Service has observed several legal contradictions contained in the finance act 2019, the basis of the circular,” a statement by NIPOST management read.

“We, however, wish to allay the concerns of the general public that NIPOST has taken steps to ensure that the legal contradictions are addressed by the appropriate authorities.

“The statutory powers of NIPOST to print, mint, produce, retail, and provide adhesive postage stamps for the use of Nigerians to comply with the stamping protocol remains intact.”

NIPOST has been lobbying to ensure that it retains stamp duty collection.