The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has announced the establishment of a dedicated unit to oversee the taxation of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) within the Federal Capital Territory.

In a circular signed by the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, the new unit will focus on assessing and collecting income and other taxes from HNIs, ensuring compliance, and enforcing tax obligations. It will also coordinate with government agencies and other organizations on issues related to the taxation of HNIs.
Head, Corporate Communications of the service, Mustapha Sumaila in a statement indicated that Mr. Ango spoke at a meeting to unveil the unit where he highlighted the importance of proper identification, profiling, and management of high-net-worth individuals for tax compliance purposes.
He defined HNIs as individuals earning an annual income of N25 million or more, including those in paid employment, self-employment, or earning passive income.

Mr. Ango disclosed that over 10,000 such individuals with combined incomes in trillions of Naira have been identified. The service has already begun issuing notices to these taxpayers and expects voluntary compliance within two weeks.

“For our HNI taxpayers, we believe it is in our mutual interest to comply voluntarily. Otherwise, we will apply the relevant provisions of the law to recover all outstanding liabilities,” he stated.

The Acting Executive Chairman emphasized that enhanced revenue generation is critical to supporting the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ongoing infrastructure transformation under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

He reiterated the commitment of the FCT-IRS to ensuring compliance across all tax categories and urged residents to support government efforts by fulfilling their tax obligations.

The establishment of the HNI Unit marks a significant step in the FCT-IRS’s drive to boost revenue and ensure equitable taxation in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has announced a significant investment of $1,045,176,470 (approximately N177 billion) into education infrastructure across the FCT. This commitment includes a counterpart funding of N3.5 billion from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), underscoring the administration’s dedication to transforming the education sector.

Speaking at the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, Wike, represented by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted that Abuja’s annual budget allocation for education has exceeded UNESCO’s recommended 26% benchmark.

Wike detailed the accomplishments achieved through these investments, noting the renovation of 21 primary and junior secondary schools and the establishment of 30 senior secondary schools. He further revealed that N14.5 billion has been allocated for the completion and launch of the FCT University in Abaji, enhancing the region’s higher education capacity.

According to Wike, “UNESCO recommends that nations allocate at least 26% of their budget to education to address critical needs such as teacher training, infrastructure, and educational technology. Abuja’s budget surpasses this benchmark, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to educational development.”

He also emphasized the administration’s focus on training and retraining educators, ensuring that the FCT adheres to the “whole school” approach promoted by UNESCO. This system fosters peace, security, and tolerance through global awareness and lifelong learning.

The International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6), which centers on promoting climate action through lifelong learning, brought together policymakers, educators, and stakeholders from UNESCO learning cities worldwide. The event underscored the importance of education in addressing global challenges like climate change.

Key Highlights of FCT’s Education Investmentincluded
$1.05 billion (N177 billion) committed to education infrastructure, Renovation of 21 primary and junior secondary schools, Establishment of 30 senior secondary schools, N14.5 billion allocated for the completion of FCT University, Abaji

Austine Elemue, Special Adviser on Media to the FCT Minister of State, quoted the minister to have reiterated the administration’s commitment to educational excellence, noting that Abuja remains a model learning city under UNESCO’s framework.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged governments, private investors, and stakeholders to make bold investments in Nigeria’s film industry, describing it as both an economic opportunity and a cultural necessity.
Dr Mahmoud spoke at the 14th Zuma Film Festival held at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja.
The minister who was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Development Secretariat, Hon. Grace Zamani, also noted that the Zuma film festival has become a true celebration of storytelling, culture, and creativity.

Special adviser on media to the minister, Austine Elemue in a Statement on Monday, quoted her to have stated,
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that Zuma film festival is not just an event; it is a movement—a convergence of voices, ideas, and visions that shape the narrative of who we are and where we are going.

“The power of film is much more than entertainment. It is a mirror reflecting our collective experiences, dreams, and struggles. It is a bridge connecting diverse cultures and a canvas for the stories that define us,” she stressed.

Mahmoud, however, called on filmmakers to recognise the role of technology in the film industry.

According to her; “As a matter of fact, in an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, the way we tell stories is changing. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, these tools are transforming how audiences engage with films.

“We must therefore embrace these innovations while remaining true to the authenticity that sets our stories apart”.

The minister identified
funding and infrastructure to distribution and copyright issues as some of the numerous challenges in the industry despite its immense potentials.

Mahmoud, therefore, commended the organizers of the Zuma film festival for creating the platform to showcase the future of African cinema.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ali Nuhu, the Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation, described the festival as a hallmark of African creativity and innovation, noting that the festival has been globally recognized for its role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the continent.

He also said that this year’s theme, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future!”, underscores the transformative power of digital technology in reshaping filmmaking and storytelling.
The event drew creative professionals, diplomats, and government officials to celebrate the fusion of culture and technology.