FCT
FCT-IRS commits to supporting business Success
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the growth and development of businesses in the territory.
Ango made the promise when he received a delegation from the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) led by the President, Chief Emeka Obegolu who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Head Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila in a statement quoted Ango to have reiterated the interconnectedness of business success and revenue generation, highlighting the FCT-IRS’s role in creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
He noted that the current administration’s focus on improving the ease of doing business aligns with the FCT-IRS’s goals.
He explained that it is a known fact that revenue collection or administration does not exist in a vacuum rather it exists in the context of the larger economy and whatever happens in the economy would certainly have impact on revenue collection adding that when businesses thrive, it would have a positive impact on revenue generation and if businesses are in bad shape, it will also affect the collection.
The FCT-IRS boss noted that the focus of the current administration was to improve the ease of doing business and create a conducive environment for businesses to grow.
“One of the major policy statement that the President made in terms of taxation and revenues, is that we should not tax the seeds, but we should tax the fruits and this demonstrates his commitment to enhance ease of doing business” he stated.
Meanwhile the Acting Executive Chairman disclosed that henceforth the Service would be seen doing more on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to give back to businesses and communities across the territory.
“The FCT-IRS as a tax authority will now be visible in the area of CSR. We can go to the market, plazas and offer assistance by improving their facilities in order to have a conducive environment. In doing this, they will understand that we are not only coming to take from them but to also give to support their businesses”
Ango said the Service under his leadership was mapping out strategies to promote voluntary compliance by the taxpayers adding that, in taxation voluntary compliance was the best form of compliance.
He thanked the ACCI team for the visit and assured them of his support and continued collaboration by the Service to promote business activities in the FCT. The chairman however harped on the need to maximise the relationship to guarantee mutual benefits between the two organisations.
Earlier in his remarks, the President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Emeka Obegolu, congratulated the FCT-IRS Chairman on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the historical support the Service has rendered, emphasizing the positive impact on business opportunities.
He said “the ACCI as you know is the voice of the private sector in the FCT our major mandate is to advance the ease of doing business in the FCT and advocate for policies of government that will support it. We work with four focal centers in ACCI.
“The first is the national chambers of commerce dispute resolution center, it is a center established within ACCI with mandate to promote effective dispute resolution in commercial disputes. Second is the national chamber of commerce dispute which serves the business community in the FCT and we believe that with the appropriate policies of government it can serve in tax dispute resolution.
“We also have the Abuja trade center with mandate to organize business to business meetings with trade missions, trade fairs and generally to promote commerce within and outside the FCT. We have the BEST center which is the Business Enterpreneurial Skills and Technology center of the ACCI.
“This center serves to train skilled workforce for the business entities in the FCT what we do is to conduct a survey of the needs the workforce needs of FCT businesses and tailor skills training to support those needs and the last center is the policy and advocacy center which is the arm of the ACCI that advocates continuous engagements with legislature and government parastatals to promote ease of doing business”.
Speaking on the upcoming Abuja International Trade Fair starting on 20th of September 2024, with the opening ceremony on the 23rd, the ACCI President sought to deepen collaboration for mutual benefit and strengthen the existing relationship by supporting tax education and advocacy within the territory.
Also present was the Former President of the Chamber a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode who expressed joy at the warm reception from the FCT-IRS acknowledged the critical role of the institution in the development of the FCT.
He eiterated the importance of collaboration and support, proposing that the FCT-IRS becomes a council member of the chamber to enhance cooperation for public welfare and economic growth.
Highlighting the significance of broadening the tax base as a key focus, he buttressed the need for advocacy and outreach, especially towards individuals and small businesses. He also stressed the essential role of tax policies in economic development, emphasising the importance of supporting SMEs for inclusive growth.
“We know you are dealing with individuals and SMEs and I think the government really needs to strengthen the policy of FCT even other state IRS which is the heart and soul of our economic development. We have millions of SMEs and these are people that you deal with too so there is a conjunction there so we assure you of our cooperation” he added.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), describing it as a dual-purpose initiative that fosters education and drives local agricultural development.
Speaking through the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, at an interactive session with stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, Mahmoud highlighted the programme’s reliance on locally sourced produce.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister Austine Elemue, in a statement quoted the minister to have indicated that the approach, is to empower farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance community participation.
Mahmoud affirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to facilitating the programme’s effective implementation by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Regular interactive sessions like this are vital to reflect on successes, address challenges, and chart a sustainable path forward,” she said.
She commended the efforts of government officials, school administrators, farmers, cooks, and development partners, stressing the administration’s determination to ensure inclusivity and leave no school behind in the programme.
The Minister also called for innovative ideas and practical solutions to sustain the programme’s impact, urging stakeholders to work in synergy to confront emerging challenges.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi,
underscored the initiative’s national importance, citing its role in improving school enrollment and learning outcomes.
“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious meals, leading to increased attendance and retention in schools,” she noted.
Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and active community involvement to ensure the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.
FCT Programme Operations Officer, Hauwa Abubakar, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing its focus on enhancing service delivery through transparency, accountability, and linkages with other empowerment initiatives in the FCT.
World Food Programme representative, Agnes Mungatia, further stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to unite efforts to amplify the programme’s reach and impact.
The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children while empowering local farmers. With continued commitment from stakeholders, the programme promises to sustain its role as a cornerstone of education and rural development in Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has called on private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and other employers of labor within the Federal Capital Territory to file their employees’ annual tax returns for 2024 by January 31, 2025.
This directive is in line with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and PAYE regulations, which mandate employers to submit detailed annual returns of emoluments paid to employees and total taxes deducted for the preceding year.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Corporate Communications Manager of the Service, Mustapha Sumaila urged Employers are required to use the forms prescribed by FCT-IRS for this purpose.
The statement quoted the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, whike speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement recently tobhave emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to meet the deadline would attract penalties and sanctions.
He encouraged voluntary compliance, highlighting its role in fostering accountability and easing tax administration.
“We urge all private organizations, MDAs, government enterprises, and sole proprietorships within the FCT to fulfill their tax obligations.
Beyond avoiding sanctions, this compliance will contribute significantly to the development of the FCT and support the Honourable Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, in his vision of transforming the FCT into a modern city,” Ango stated.
The FCT-IRS reiterated its commitment to efficient tax administration and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in building a financially sustainable capital territory.
***As Barrister Maxwell Opara demands Justice for Mama Yesufu
In a fiery press conference held on Tuesday, Barrister Maxwell Opara reignited calls for justice in a high-stakes property fraud scandal that has left 79-year-old Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu fighting to reclaim her properties in the Katampe and Guzape districts of Abuja.
The case, involving allegations of forgery, criminal trespass, and fraudulent property sales, has also raised questions about police integrity and accountability.
Central to the case is Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (alias Bilkisu Ishaku Aliyu) and her company, Homadil Realty Limited.
They are accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to fraudulently seize Yesufu’s properties, allegedly with the complicity of certain police officers.
Despite substantial evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including forged documents used to manipulate the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), the Nigeria Police Force has controversially dismissed the matter as a “civil issue.”
Opara criticized the Nigeria Police Force, specifically the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, accusing them of shielding the accused.
“How can the Police classify a case as civil without conducting any investigation?” he asked. He further revealed that the EFCC had not only identified the fraudulent documents but also secured an interim forfeiture order on the disputed properties. Yet, according to Opara, the Police have not only failed to act but have allegedly provided armed escorts to protect the suspect’s illegal constructions.
Opara highlighted what he termed the Police’s selective approach to justice. “If the Police can arrest someone for stealing a chicken or detain activists over tweets, why can’t they prosecute those involved in such brazen fraud?” he asked, launching the #ProsecuteTheCrime campaign to demand accountability.
The human rights lawyer also condemned alleged police harassment of the Yesufu family and journalists covering the case, stating that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement. “Justice in Nigeria often wears the veil of influence instead of being blind,” he said, urging the IGP to distance himself from the case to ensure impartial investigations.
Opara called on the EFCC to expedite the prosecution of the suspects and appealed to the media to amplify the call for justice for vulnerable citizens like Mama Yesufu. “This is not just about one woman; it’s about the future of justice and the protection of the weak in our society,” he said.
In closing, Opara vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, declaring, “We will not stop until every shred of influence shielding criminals is removed and Mama Yesufu’s rights are restored.”
This case, which highlighted the interplay between corruption, influence, and justice in Nigeria, has sparked public outrage and rekindled debates about the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
The call for justice for Mama Yesufu is not just a legal battle but a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and equality before the law.
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