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Henceforth, transactions will not happen in FCT without tax clearance -Wike

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***As three year jail term Awaits defaulters of Personal Income Tax

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has given approval for the enforcement of the Personal Income Tax and the FCT Internal Revenue Service Acts 2015.

This is coming as the minister has raised the benchmark of revenue drive with the aim of boosting the territory’s revenue base.
Wike directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs, Commercial banks, as well as  FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies SDAs to ensure strict compliance with the laws particularly Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and Section 31 of the FCT Internal Revenue Service Act 2015 through an October 4, 2023 memo earlier.

Mandate Secretary, FCT Economic Planning, Revenue Generation, and Public Private Partnerships Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, had engaged the .edit on Monday in Abuja at a press briefing where he reminded residents and organizations that the minister had given approval for the implementation of Section 85 of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and Section 31 of the FCT Internal Revenue Service Act, 2015.

He warned that any person found to have provided false information or obtained a TCC through forgery or falsification, would be liable upon conviction to a fine of N50,000  or a three year jail term or both upon conviction.

According to him a government entity or organization that failed to verify a TCC before any transaction is liable to a fine of N5,000,000 or a three year, jail term or both, upon conviction.

“Section 31 of the FCT-IRS Act provides that all SDAs, corporate bodies, or any person empowered by law, shall demand a TCC from any person or enterprise for the last three years preceding the current year of assessment as a precondition for transacting any business in the FCT”.

He listed the transactions to include Certificate of Occupancy, award of contracts, approval of building plans, application for FCTA loan for housing, business or any other purpose, registration of motor vehicles, land applications and a host of others.

Continuing, he said; “Taxes are essential to the foundation of any government, and it is important that everyone pays their fair share. Payment of tax is a civic duty and responsibility. Implementation of these laws is intended to ensure that all eligible taxpayers in the FCT comply with their tax obligations”.

According to the memo by the minister, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has observed with dismay, lack of implementation and adherence to the provisions of section 85 of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), 2011 (as Amended) and Section 31 of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service Act, 2015 that provide for the demand and verification of Tax Clearance Certificates TCC from residents of the FCT before rendering of services or performance of transactions.

“It is pertinent to note that both the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service Act, 2015 provide that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Commercial Banks, Secretariats, Departments & Agencies (SDAs) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as well as Area Councils, corporate bodies, and statutory authorities among others must demand and verify TCC from residents before rendering of services or performing any transaction.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 31(5) of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Act 2015 provides that “A department, agency or official of the FCTA, any Area Council official, any corporate body, statutory authority or person empowered in that regard by this Act or any other law shall demand a tax clearance certificate for the three (3) years immediately preceding the current year of assessment as a pre-condition to transacting any business including but not limited to…” and shall verify the genuineness by referring same to the issuing tax authority.

“Consequently, all MDAS, SDAs, commercial banks, corporate and statutory organizations operating within the FCT are mandated to forthwith enforce the provisions of the extant laws by demanding from individuals, business names/enterprises and organizations current Tax Clearance Certificates for the last three (3) years before carrying out any business transaction and verifying with the FCT-Internal Revenue Service for those transactions listed in the schedule attached to this Circular as ANNEX 1.

“Any official of MDAs, SDAs, officials of the FCTA, Area Council officials, corporate body, statutory Authority or Commercial Banks who violates and fails to comply with the provision, is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000.00 or to imprisonment for 3 years or both fine and imprisonment as provided for by section 85 (9) of PITA, 2011 (as amended).

“Please, bring the content of this Circular to the attention of all concerned for immediate implementation”.

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FCT

FCT-IRS Partners EFCC to Boost Tax Compliance in Abuja

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Michael Ango and Olanipekun Olukoyede

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance tax compliance and boost revenue generation in the nation’s capital.

During a courtesy visit to EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters, FCT-IRS Acting Executive Chairman, Michael Ango, emphasized the need for collaboration, given the crucial roles both agencies play in financial accountability and governance.
He highlighted that harmonizing revenue collection and administration is a key priority for 2025, ensuring transparency and efficiency in tax collection.
Ango also proposed that the EFCC integrate tax compliance checks into its investigations, noting that many financial crime suspects often evade tax obligations.
“If they escape through one door, we can catch them through another,” he stated, suggesting that tax compliance could be linked to asset forfeitures and financial crime investigations.
In response, EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He acknowledged the impact of effective revenue utilization in the FCT, commending the ongoing infrastructural developments under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

The collaboration between FCT-IRS and EFCC is expected to tighten tax enforcement, ensuring that individuals and businesses fulfill their financial obligations, ultimately strengthening the economy of the FCT.

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FCT

Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s ₦110 Billion Fraud Case Amid Legal Disputes

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Yahaya Bello

The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged ₦110 billion fraud has been adjourned to April 3, April 24, and May 6, 2025, following a contentious court session at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday.
Justice Maryann Anenih made the ruling after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, with the session dominated by disputes over the availability of key documents and the introduction of a surprise witness.
At the heart of the courtroom drama was a heated exchange between the legal teams.
The lead defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, accused the prosecution of withholding critical evidence, including the sworn statements of the second defendant.
According to Daudu, the defence was blindsided by the prosecution’s witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, whom they had no prior knowledge of. He argued that the prosecution was turning the legal process into a “hide and seek” game, depriving the defense of a fair opportunity to prepare for cross-examination.
Similarly, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, representing the third defendant, demanded access to forensic reports and digital evidence mentioned in the case filings. He argued that the prosecution’s failure to provide these documents raised concerns about transparency and due process.
However, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, dismissed these objections, insisting that all required evidence had been served on the defence as far back as November 27. He accused the defence of employing delay tactics and emphasized that the prosecution was under no obligation to provide every document unless formally requested.
Despite the defence’s objections, the court proceeded with the testimony of Fabian Nworah, Chairman of EFAB Property Nigeria Ltd.
Nworah detailed how his company sold a high-value property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello for ₦550 million. However, months later, Bello returned the property documents, claiming the EFCC was investigating the transaction and demanding a refund.
EFAB Property initially declined to reimburse the money but later complied after the EFCC directed the company to return the funds to a designated account. The refund was processed in two instalments.

Interestingly, Nworah noted that while he had dealt directly with Shehu Bello, the official name on the transaction documents was Dr. Bello Ohiani, raising further questions about the true ownership and intent behind the purchase.
The trial is expected to resume in April, with the defence likely to continue pressing for access to key documents while the prosecution pushes forward with its case.
The case promises to be one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent Nigerian history.

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FCT

Wike Boosts Investor Trust with Landmark Signing of over 1,000 C-of-Os for River Park Estate

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Chief Executive Officer, Houses for Africa Holdings, Mr. John Townley- Johnson, a beneficiary, Mr. Benjamin Ogwuche; Dr. Adrian Ogun; and the Chairman of Houses for Africa Nigeria, Mr. Paul Odili during presentation of Certificate of Occupancy to house owners at the River Park Estate, Abuja on Saturday.

In a landmark gesture, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has approved and signed more than 1,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) for homeowners in the prestigious River Park Estate, Abuja.
The move has been hailed as a game-changer for real estate investment in the nation’s capital.
At a ceremony on Saturday, the estate’s developer, Mr. Paul Odili, handed over the certificates to jubilant homeowners.
He praised the minister’s swift action, describing it as a vote of confidence in Abuja’s real estate sector.
“The Honourable Minister of the FCT has done something unprecedented by signing over a thousand C-of-Os at once,” Odili said. “This gesture will undoubtedly encourage more investment in real estate and strengthen trust among stakeholders.”
Odili emphasized the importance of transparency in the issuance process. “These certificates were entrusted to us by the FCT administration, and it was vital to show that they have been delivered to the rightful beneficiaries. This is not just about houses, it’s about securing people’s investments and dreams,” he noted.
In a significant development, Odili also announced his full acquisition of the estate, previously co-owned by international partners.
Houses for Africa Holdings, led by John Townley-Johnson, and Jonah Capital Limited, founded by Adrian Ogun, have sold their stakes to Odili.

Confirming the transfer, Townley-Johnson said, “We are confident that Mr. Odili’s leadership will take the estate to greater heights.
He has the expertise and vision to deliver on the promises made to homeowners.”
Ogun echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his long-standing partnership with Odili and expressing trust in his ability to maintain high standards in the estate.

For many beneficiaries, the event marked the culmination of years of effort and hope. Engr. Benjamin Ogwuche, President of KRPC Cooperative Society, Kaduna, said, “This is a monumental day for us. Our members now have the peace of mind that comes with legal ownership of over 100 properties here.”

Another recipient, Mr. Daniel Okoebor, expressed his excitement. “Holding this certificate in my hands today means my investment is secure. It’s a validation of my trust in this estate,” he said.
Odili highlighted the broader implications of the minister’s actions, noting that the issuance of the certificates would inspire more confidence in Nigeria’s real estate sector. “This is a strong message to investors that Abuja is open for business, and the FCT administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for growth,” he stated.

The ceremony concluded with optimism, as stakeholders applauded Wike’s leadership and expressed hope that similar initiatives would be extended to other estates across the FCT.

END

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