By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has harmonised revenue collection in the territory to end multiple taxes and illegal activities.
This, the administration said would help to raise revenue for accelerated development work across the six area councils and the Federal Capital City.
The Permanent Secretary FCT Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja, on the resolutions reached at a stakeholders’ retreat on the harmonization of revenue and ease of doing business held in May.
He lamented the invasion of ‘hoodlums’ on business, residential premises canvassing for revenue collection, adding that residents are charged with the same revenue by 2 or more times by different authorities, which is unacceptable.
The stakeholders at the meeting also agreed that the current dishamonized manners the revenues of government were being collected by various organs or agents of FCTA and tiers of government need to be well coordinated.
According to Adesola, “Since 2012, various efforts have been initiated to address the forgoing challenges with minimal success. The initiative received impetus in 2021 when concerted efforts were made to address the disjointed revenue collection arrangements in the territory. Four retreat and colloquial sessions were held in the effort to enable us advance to the desirable phase of a harmonized revenue collection in the FCT.
“Since in 2021, the FCT administration involved in revenue collection and the FCT-IRS being the core stakeholders with the view to achieving a harmonized revenue collection outcome, have been working over the issue, which is finally resolved”
He noted that at the end of the meeting the FCTA, FCT Area Councils and FCT-IRS agreed on resolutions known as the ‘Akure Accord’ which included harmonization of system of revenue collection, promote a more business friendly environment in the FCT with a view to attract investments, stimulate growth, build confidence, of the stakeholders and mitigate revenue losses that has resulted into inefficient revenue collection systems in Abuja.
He said, “The retreat further agreed on the immediate establishment of FCT- Joint Revenue Committee (JRC), in accordance with the provisions of the FCT-IRS which shall be responsible for harmonizing of tax administration in FCT, addressing common revenue concerns of FCT and area councils, and resolving issues or disputes that may arise while agreeing to work together to streamline and simplify regulatory and bureaucratic processes, in order to promote the ease of doing business in FCT.
“The stakeholders endorsed the report of technical committee on harmonization of revenue collection and ease of doing business in the FCT set up by the stakeholders as a comprehensive intervention capable of ushering in effective and efficient system of revenue collection as well as promoting the ease of doing business in FCTA.
“It further acknowledged the technical capacity of the FCT-IRS to administer tax and non-tax revenues, collect all taxes collectible by a state government in Nigeria in accordance with taxes and levies (approved list of collection) Act of 1998 as amended and to coordinate the collection of all other revenues accruable to FCT”.
In his remarks, the Acting chairman, FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, said with proper collaboration the administration would be able to surmount the challenges in order to make the FCT a shining example of economic growth, prosperity, and ease of doing business.
According to him, “The journey of a thousand miles, indeed begins with a single step, and to day, we take that first step together. Our goal is to harmonize revenue collection and facilitate ease of doing business, thereby fostering growth and development in our beloved FCT. This is not a task we undertake lightly, and we recognize the challenges that lie ahead.
“However, we are committed to overcoming these obstacles and transforming Our collective vision into a reality. Together, we have drafted a communique that outlines the strategic direction and key actions needed to achieve our objectives. This document is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of all stakeholders involved.
“It symbolizes our commitment to working han d in hand to create a brighter future for businesses,investors, and citizens alike.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, we must be guided by a spirit of unity and shared responsibility. It is our collective effort that will bring about the positive change we all desire. We must be willing to embrace new ideas, engage in constructive dialogue, and make the necessary sacrifices to achieve the greater good”.
