The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is currently engaged in a significant legal battle with the Bayelsa State Revenue Service over a N5.5 billion tax dispute. The Supreme Court has reportedly set July 27, 2026, as the date for its judgment on an appeal filed by the FIRS.

This appeal challenges earlier decisions made by the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court. These lower courts had ordered the FIRS to pay the Bayelsa State Revenue Service the sum of N5.5 billion, which was allegedly collected and withheld improperly.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, is leading the legal team representing the federal government. He is actively urging the Supreme Court to quash the judgments delivered by the appellate and high courts.