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FCT-IRS boss says the vision of the service is to put in place world-class revenue system in FCT

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The vision of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), is traput in place a world-class revenue collection system that is transparent, accountable, and efficient for the territory, Acting Executive Chairman, Mr Haruna Abdullahi has indicated.

Abdullahi spoke at the ongoing Stakeholders Resolution Retreat on the Harmonisation of Revenue and Ease of Doing Business in the FCT held in Akure, Ondo state on Thursday.

He explained that the Service was working to achieve this by creating a single, unified platform and dashboard that would enable the institution to track and monitor all revenue generated in the FCT.

“Our goal is to ensure that all revenue in FCT is properly accounted for and reported, with the highest level of transparency and accuracy. This will help to build trust and confidence among the people and encourage them to support our revenue generation efforts.

“We also aim to use technology to streamline our revenue collection processes, reduce inefficiencies, and improve service delivery to the people. Ultimately, we believe that by achieving our vision, we can create a vibrant and prosperous FCT that will be the envy of the nation.

“The harmonization of revenue collection in the FCT is a complex process that requires collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders. To achieve a successful harmonization process.

‘It is important to conduct a comprehensive review of the current processes, develop a unified revenue collection platform, improve transparency and accountability, ensure stakeholder participation, develop a communication and awareness campaign, and provide training and capacity building for staff involved” he stated.

According to him, it is expedient to call on all the revenue collecting agencies in the FCT and the six Area Councils in the FCT to participate actively in this retreat, targeted at achieving a harmonized revenue collection system that is efficient, transparent, fair and promoting a business friendly atmosphere in the FCT.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Mrs Nana-Aisha Obomeghie noted that FCT-IRS, since its inception had made its mark in the nation’s tax environment terrain, especially at the sub-national level, and continued to set new standards among its peers in its approach to ensuring enhanced, inclusive, and sustainable internal revenue generation processes in its approach to revenue administration.

 According to her, it is no surprise that this retreat is taking place, and it is equally no surprise that it has chosen as its theme an issue that cuts to the heart of contemporary tax-revenue issues, not just within the FCT, but at the country level as well.

 She explained that as the global tax community increasingly moves towards simplification of the tax process, it becomes imperative that existing barriers that hinder such processes were removed.

The secretary stated that these barriers manifest in a variety of ways, and one of these is the multiplicity of tax-revenue collecting actors and entities, and the duplicity of collectibles prevalent in our domestic system, which unfortunately gives rise to the incidence of double taxation, or what many popularly refer to as multiple taxation.

“It is quite unfortunate that in the 21st century, our tax-revenue collection processes are still populated with a multitude of revenue collecting agencies and bodies, and much more so the involvement of non-state actors in the business of collecting revenue on behalf of government, or for themselves.

“This is a modern day aberration and negates global best practice of domestic revenue mobilization. This unfortunate reality, aside from creating opportunity for revenue leakages, also bring about a state of policy dissonance and confusion in the system.

“The result is a situation where the taxpayer is at the receiving end, as the ease with which they carry out their businesses is diminished, to the detriment of their enterprise, and the socioeconomic growth and development of the nation.

“The eradication of these negatives is just some of the objectives of harmonization of taxes. While there may be fundamental challenges to tax harmonization at the country level, given our Federated structure, the country, at this point, must be willing to make some hard and bold tax reforms which will be to the ultimate benefit of all and sundry.

“It is heart-warming to see that w0 sub-national entities have towed this path, and it is indeed gladdening that the FCT-IRS is leading the charge in this regard” she added.

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Timi Frank tells Tinubu to halt Wike’s demolition of FCT residents’ homes

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Bola Tinubu

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene and stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from demolishing the homes of economically vulnerable residents in Abuja.

In a statement from Abuja, Frank accused Wike of using demolitions as a ploy for land grabbing, alleging that Wike allocates revoked plots to his associates and personally benefits from this practice.
Frank expressed concern that the minister’s actions damage the reputation of Tinubu’s administration, branding Wike’s demolitions as “ill-timed” and self-serving.
Frank further alleged that Wike has taken more aggressive action than any past FCT minister, reportedly revoking land to distribute it to close allies and influential figures.
He claimed Wike advised affected residents to pursue legal action, while allegedly having influence over the judiciary.
Additionally, Frank asserted that Wike is using land sales to fund political conflicts outside the FCT, including with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Frank warned Tinubu that failure to address Wike’s actions could damage the administration’s credibility and urged the President to act decisively by relieving Wike of his role.
He noted that Wike’s methods, similar to those used in Rivers State, are unwelcome in the FCT and called for swift action to prevent further harm to the government’s image and FCT residents.

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FCT Minister describes NYSC scheme as cornerstone to national integration

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Mariya Mahmoud

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as a cornerstone of national integration and development since its inception in 1973.

Mahmoud spoke during the NYSC pre-mobilization workshop held in the nation’s capital, Abuja, stressing that the programme was designed to foster unity among young Nigerians.

Special Advisa on Media the Minister, Austine Elemue in a statement on Tuesday quoted the minister, who was the Chief Host of the event to have noted that the theme of the workshop, “Strengthening the NYSC mobilization process for effective service delivery” resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

Mahmoud charged stakeholders to play critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to contribute positively to the society.
“We are in a dynamic world where the needs of our communities are evolving rapidly.

“Therefore, our prospective corps members must be prepared to meet these challenges with creativity, resilience, and spirit of innovation.

“This workshop is an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme”.

The minister used the occasion to commend the leadership of the NYSC for their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by corps members.

“Your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable. By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” she stressed.

While welcoming participants to the occasion, the NYSC Director General, Brig Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, noted that over the years, the NYSC programme has been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among the different nationalities as well as playing critical role in national development.

According to him, “the imprints of the scheme is all over the landscape of our nation from the mega cities to the very rural communities of Nigeria.”

Ahmed emphasised that the mobilization process is a very critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness, adding that the place of effective service delivery in a successful mobilization process cannot be overemphasized.

The Director General, pledged that the management remains committed in ensuring that the right things are done at all times from the beginning to the end of the mobilization process 

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Police Uncover Car Theft Ring in Abuja

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***Apprehend Key Suspect in Stolen vehicle Syndicate

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully cracked down on a notorious car theft syndicate involved in receiving, rebranding, and reselling stolen vehicles.
The operation culminated in the arrest of a primary suspect following a meticulously coordinated investigation that traced a stolen Honda Accord to a mechanic’s workshop in Plateau State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the FCT Police Command shared that the case originated on October 10, 2024, when Mr. Philemon Olaoluwa reported the theft of his 2006 Honda Accord (registration number RBC 40 NW) to the Central Police Divisional Headquarters. Olaoluwa’s car had developed mechanical issues, and a friend recommended a mechanic from Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja, identified as Abdulhamid Saidu, who is now on the run.

Olaoluwa, unaware of the mechanic’s intentions, entrusted his vehicle and its documents to Saidu for repairs. Instead of repairing the car, Saidu vanished with it, prompting an extensive investigation.

Using advanced tracking technology, police operatives traced the vehicle to Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State, where it was found in the possession of Steven Abang. Known for his role in receiving, rebranding, and distributing stolen vehicles, Abang was taken into custody. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to acquiring the Honda Accord from Saidu, confirming his role as a receiver for stolen cars.

Upon searching Abang’s workshop, authorities discovered two additional vehicles — a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208 — suspected to be stolen, as they were in the process of being rebranded. Abang admitted to having a network of ready buyers and disclosed that over the past four years, he had rebranded and sold more than 16 stolen vehicles.

The suspect remains in police custody, with charges expected to follow as the investigation unfolds.

This bust is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies across the country to dismantle car theft syndicates. Earlier this year, in June, the Lagos State Police Command arrested another suspect, Kazeem Ahmed, who specialized in using fabricated master keys to steal vehicles, later selling them to auto parts dealers in Lagos.

The FCT Police Command has assured residents of its ongoing commitment to eliminating vehicle theft and safeguarding property across the region.

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