By Ruth Oketunde
Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has called for the adoption of the council’s revenue task force team into the proposed revenue harmonisation scheme by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Maikalangu made the call during a town hall organised by the FCT Internal Revenue Service on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event tagged “Harmonisation Drive: Shaping Our Future Together”, had various stakeholders in the FCT in attendance.
Maikalangu, who said that he had no issues with the proposed harmonisation of revenue in the FCT, added that the process must be implemented in transparency, accountability and in public trust.
He said it was high time to address the burning issues over tax collection and control in the FCT, including needless clashes over defined and legitimate rights between the FCT Internal Revenue Service and AMAC.
“As we are all aware, government works better with the payment of taxes by citizens. However, here in AMAC, we have been battling with the issue of payment of taxes by business owners and residents.
“Though the council has every right to hire consultants to collect revenues on our behalf, we are also worried that most of the revenue agents and technical partners are not consistent and faithful to agreements reached.
“Therefore, after a careful study tour of selected local councils in Lagos and Rivers, including drawbacks, we made consultations with revenue experts and stakeholders and decided to follow the overriding path of upholding a more friendly approach of a harmonised approach to economic recovery.
“However, we are not unmindful of the fact that no arm of government is allowed by law to assign another arm of government to do its constitutional duties.
“I wish to highlight that what we maintain is that the new arrangement involves our staff, revenue monitoring team with a view to avoiding duplications and loggerheads.
“May I also propose that the AMAC task force on revenue monitoring and collection be adopted into the FCT-IRS to ensure more transparency, accountability and trust, so that the taskforce can continue aiding the FCT-IRS in apprehending illegal revenue collectors and invaders,” he said.
The chairman however suggested that the proposed revenue drive should begin with some sectors, such as Abuja Environmental Protection Board, VIO, Department of Advertisement and Signage, among others, in other to test run the process.
Earlier, Mr Adesola Olusade, Permanent Secretary of the FCTA said the potential impact of the harmonisation drive is vast and far-reaching.
“Once adopted, it will lead to increased revenue generation, which in turn will provide the necessary resources to invest in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation and infrastructure development.
“This will directly impact the lives of residents, improving access to quality healthcare, enhancing educational facilities, and ensuring a well-planned and sustainable urban environment,” he said.
On his part, the immediate past Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Philip Aduda, urged all parties involved in the revenue harmonization, especially area council chairmen, to adhere to the framework of the agreements reached.
He added that it was important for the legislative chambers of the area councils to be involved in the process so that enabling laws on revenue harmonisation would be enacted.
In his address, the Onah of Abaji, Yunusa Adamu, who was represented by the Saraji Gabas, Asamu Shuaibu, urged the FCT-IRS to ensure that taxation f residents has human face and must be transparent.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)