Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticised the appointment of Xpress Payments Solutions Limited as a new collecting agent under Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), calling it a “dangerous revival” of the Alpha Beta-style revenue monopoly that operated in Lagos State for years.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Atiku alleged that the decision was implemented quietly and without public scrutiny.
He warned that it signals an attempt to replicate at the national level a revenue model that created “a private toll gate around public finances” and enriched politically connected actors.
According to Atiku, the move represents a shift of Nigeria “from a republic to a private holding company controlled by a small circle of vested interests,” effectively nationalising a template that previously entrenched opaque revenue practices in Lagos.
He also criticised the timing of the decision, describing it as “grossly insensitive” and an example of “governance by stealth,” especially at a moment when Nigerians are mourning widespread loss of lives amid escalating insecurity.
“This is not reform,” Atiku insisted. “This is state capture masquerading as digital innovation.”
