By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango has promised to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Abuja for the development of the territory.
Ango made this promise when the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, Chief Emaka Ibegolu led a delegation to his office in Abuja.
The FCT – IRS boss, who promised to improve the ease of doing businesses in the Capital Territory, explained that whatever happens in the economy would certainly have an impact on revenue collection.
He added that when businesses thrive, it would have a positive impact on revenue generation and if businesses are in bad shape, it will also affect the collection.
“One of the major policy statements that the President made in terms of taxation and revenues, is that we should not tax the seeds, but we should tax the fruits and this demonstrates his commitment to enhance ease of doing business,” he stated.
Furthermore, Ango disclosed that the Service would also engage more on Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, to give back to businesses and communities across the territory.
“The FCT-IRS as a tax authority will now be visible in the area of CSR. We can go to the market, plazas, and offer assistance by improving their facilities to have a conducive environment.”
“In doing this, they will understand that we are not only coming to take from them but to also support their businesses.”
He explained that the Service under his leadership was mapping out strategies to promote voluntary compliance by the taxpayers, adding that, in taxation, voluntary compliance was the best form of compliance.
The FCT -IRS boss assured the ACCI President of his support and continued collaboration to promote business activities in the FCT, and prayed for the mutual relationship that benefits the two organizations.
Earlier in his remarks, the ACCI President, congratulated the FCT-IRS Chairman on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the support the Service has rendered, emphasizing the positive impact on business opportunities.
He said, “the ACCI as you know, is the voice of the private sector in the FCT our major mandate is to advance the ease of doing business in the FCT and advocate for policies of government that will support it. We work with four focal centers in ACCI.”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and support, as he proposed that the FCT-IRS become a council member of the chamber to enhance cooperation for public welfare and economic growth.
