FG to resolve multiple taxation in FCT

Forum 11 months ago

FG to resolve multiple taxation in FCT

The Federal Government has embarked on reform programmes to encourage the establishment and growth of small and medium enterprises in Abuja, the federal capital territory.

The Minister for FCT, Muhammad Bello, stated this at a stakeholder’s resolution retreat on the harmonisation of revenue collection, and promotion of ease of doing business in the FCT, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Bello also lamented that multiple agencies and departments of government were responsible for multiple taxations, which had been causing confusion within the system.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Olusade Adesola, the minister stated that the reform programmes will include the creation of a digital platform known as the FCT Business Portal for the issuance of permits, licenses, and approvals.

He said, “One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to harmonise revenue collection across the FCT. As you are aware, there are currently multiple agencies and departments responsible for collecting various types of taxes and fees from businesses and individuals. This has created confusion, duplication and inefficiency within the system.

“The FCT Internal Revenue Service was created to meet this challenge, among others. However, despite its current efforts, we all must appreciate that there is a lot of room for improvement. I am sure that this retreat will look into the issue critically and recommend ways for advancement.”

Declaring the retreat open, the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had said that revenue generation was critical and crucial to the sustainable socioeconomic development of any society, especially in a developing economy.

The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, alleged that the Akeredolu-led administration met a politically motivated tax system and a non-functioning Board of Internal Revenue.

He added, “Today, we can boldly say that we have changed that narrative without introducing extra burden on our citizens.”

The Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, reiterated that the vision of the organisation was to establish a world-class revenue collection system in the FCT that would be transparent, accountable and efficient.

“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.”