Renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur, Seyi Adekunle—popularly known as Seyi Vodi—has called on business owners and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to embrace prompt and voluntary tax payment as a critical driver of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the ongoing infrastructure renewal in Abuja.
Vodi made the call on Friday during a visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), where he formally filed his Annual Tax Return, setting what officials described as a commendable example of civic responsibility.
Speaking after the exercise, the celebrity designer urged entrepreneurs across sectors to view tax payment not as a burden, but as a patriotic obligation essential to sustainable development and improved public services.
According to him, increased tax compliance would significantly strengthen government capacity to deliver infrastructure, security and social amenities—particularly in a rapidly growing capital city like Abuja.
Head, Corporate Communications
FCT-IRS, Mustard Sumaila in a statement quoted him to have said,
“It is noble to pay your taxes because this is the money the government uses to provide infrastructure and essential services for the people,” Vodi said.
“I am especially encouraging my fellow business owners—tailors, creatives and entrepreneurs—to voluntarily discharge this civic responsibility for the progress of the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.”
Backing Renewed Hope with Civic Action
Vodi aligned his advocacy with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that citizens’ cooperation through tax compliance is vital to translating policy vision into tangible outcomes.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for what he described as unprecedented infrastructural strides since assuming office.
Having lived in Abuja for over two decades, Vodi said he was well positioned to assess the scale of transformation under the current FCT Administration.
“I have been a resident of the FCT for 25 years, since my NYSC days. I know what Abuja used to be and what it is today,” he said.
“The infrastructural development under the present FCT Minister is unprecedented—especially in road construction and security. The projects are visible; only the blind would fail to see how the capital city has been transformed.”
FCT-IRS Applauds Voluntary Compliance
In his remarks, the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, praised Vodi for voluntarily filing his Annual Tax Return without enforcement or prompting.
Ango described the move as exemplary, noting that the fashion icon is the first High Net-Worth Individual to comply with the filing requirement for the year.
“This action is worthy of emulation by other business owners and high-net-worth individuals in the FCT,” Ango said.
“Voluntary compliance is the foundation of a functional tax system, and we are encouraged by this show of leadership.”
He appealed to Vodi to leverage his influence to promote tax compliance among his peers and within the creative and business communities.
According to Ango, sustained infrastructural development in the FCT depends largely on citizens fulfilling their civic obligations.
“The Minister has transformed Abuja into a world-class capital city, and residents must support this progress by living up to their responsibilities so the FCT Administration will have adequate resources to do more,” he added.
Recognition for Civic Leadership
Ango further disclosed that the Service would issue a letter of commendation to Vodi in recognition of his compliance and leadership in promoting voluntary tax payment.
The gesture, he said, aligns with the FCT-IRS strategy of encouraging compliance through engagement, recognition and public trust, rather than enforcement alone.
As Abuja continues to experience rapid urban expansion and infrastructure renewal, officials say partnerships between government and responsible citizens will remain central to sustaining progress under the Renewed Hope framework.
