By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) and Kuje Area Council on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on harmonization of revenue collection in the Territory.
Executive Chairman of the FCT- IRS, Mr. Haruna Abdullahi said that the MoU between FCT-IRS and Kuje Area Council will provide stakeholders with a clear framework outlining their respective roles and shared responsibilities in the harmonization initiative.
Abdullahi noted that the revenue harmonization drive is an ongoing process that accommodates concerns raised by stakeholders that would be
addressed accordingly to fostering greater understanding by both parties.
He promised that all questions raised would be used as template by FCT-IRS to actively engage with major stakeholders to provide clarity on the harmonization process based on legal provisions.
He gave the assurance that every money contributed by residents in the form of tax revenue would be properly accounted for and used judiciously.
“As we embark on this harmonization journey, I want to assure all residents of the city that every kobo contributed will be accounted for and used judiciously.”
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He reiterated commitment to technology, strategic partnerships in adopting international best practices to ensure that the FCT-IRS maintains a high standard in its processes.
“We’re leveraging technology, partnerships and international best practices and good practices to ensure that our processes remain top notch” Abdullahi stated.
The FCT-IRS Chairman also commended the FCTA Permanent Secretary,, Mr Adesola Olusade for his dedication, support and unwavering commitment to the revenue harmonization initiative in FCT.
Abdullahi also lauded the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr. Abdullahi Sabo, for his determination and steadfastness in supporting the Harmonization process.
Sabo affirmed Kuje Area Council’s confidence in the capacity of the FCT-IRS to handle revenue collection on their behalf.
He emphasized that the area council had tasked the FCT-IRS with improving and standardizing their existing data , therefore all levy and revenue collections in Kuje area council would be transited to an automated, cashless system.
The Area Council chairman expressed his commitment to the success of this project and indicated that other area councils would soon join in signing the MoU with the FCT-IRS to enhance and strengthen the overall harmonization drive.
The FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola who witnessed the signing of the MoU, emphasized that the journey towards harmonization and ease of doing business began years ago, in 2012.
He acknowledged the challenges faced due to a lack of mutual trust and insufficient teamwork for implementation, stating that with the recent developments, he was satisfied and fulfilled.
According to Adesola, , te harmonization initiative will address issues related to multiple taxation and foster a more business-friendly environment in the city.
“In 2012, we didn’t have FCT-IRS and the Service came to be as a creation of the law in 2015, and we had to grable with tilting problems before it became eventually operational in 2018.
“Therefore, harmonizing revenue collection is not amounting to concession, the task before FCT-IRS is to collect the revenue on behalf of other revenue agencies and area councils and remit it to them in an accountable and transparent manner” Adesola explained.
