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Maikalangu says Kpaduma market is one stop market for investors in AMAC
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC,Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has said that the Kpaduma Community Market is when completed will serve as a One-Stop market complex for investors doing businesses in AMAC.
Maikalangu said this on Tuesday during the foundation laying ceremony of Kpaduma Community market in AMAC.
He explained that the upgrade of the community market, under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, will provide a befitting complex, which will serve as a one-stop-shop for investors doing business with AMAC.
This market when completed will not only encourage the communities around here to sale their farm products daily, but equally assist them to do business in a well-organized manner and safe environment, he said.
The AMAC Chairman advised traders selling on Guzape, Asokoro road sides to take advantage of the security advantage of the community market by moving into the complex for their safety.
“To give Kpaduma Community a new look, every trader selling on the road side of Guzape, Asokoro, up to the bypass, should immediately take advantage of our intervention and move into this market for safety purposes, he advised.
The AMAC Chairman said that the market project was part of his administration’s efforts at bringing development closer to his people, to restore the glory of the council, and to build an economy that will provide opportunities and support the entrepreneurial spirit of AMAC residents and youths.
“I invite both local and foreign investors to come and invest in AMAC in the area of markets, holiday resorts, game reserves, hotels, picnic sites, entertainment, fashion and other opportunities that will meet global standards and improve business.”
“Producers and consumers of goods and services are encouraged to take advantage of this market, as it opens doors for our small and medium entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and products.”
“This is one of the major ways we can create jobs, reduce unemployment, boost our economy, and engage our teaming youths thereby eliminating crime and idleness.”
Maikalangu stated that since he assumed office in 2023, his Administration has continued to remove all obstacles that encourage economic growth such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and stress of doing business among others.
He further disclosed that soon AMAC residents shall also witness the groundbreaking ceremonies of community markets in Gida Daya, Kuchingoro and Karshi communities, and also road infrastructures.
September 18, 2024
EID- EL- MAULUD: Maikalangu enjoins AMAC residents to embrace peace, sacrifice, tolerance
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu in his message to felicitate with Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of the Eid- el- Maulud has enjoined them to embrace the teachings of peace upon which the religion of Islam is built on.
The Council Boss equally enjoined all Muslims faithful and other residents of the Council to join Nigerians from across the country to reflect deeply on the role they can play individually and collectively to build a nation of which they can be proud.
He said “We must eschew people to shun violence no matter their political, religious and tribal affiliations which is counter productive but rather apply dialogue in settling differences.”
According to the Chairman, the Federal Capital Territory was built on a foundation of unity and tolerance for all Nigerians.
Maikalangu used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of the Council’s administration to provide adequate security during the Eid-El- Maulud celebrations as he appealed to residents to always cooperate with the security agencies at all times by providing useful information that will assist them in the discharge of their responsibilities.
September 27, 2023
AMAC Chairman takes project inspection to Jiwa, Karmo, Gwa Gwa, Dei Dei communities
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu on Thursday visited more communities including Jiwa , Karmo, Gwa Gwa, and Dei Dei communities for on the spot inspection of more community projects delivery and campaign promises.
Maikalangu who was accompanied by some members of his cabinet, journalists, and security agents during the second leg of his projects’ inspection tour under his administration visited the AMAC visited the AMAC Skills Acquisition Centre in Jiwa community, where over 50 students are presently being taught on woodwork and metal fabrication.
The Chairman advised students of the AMAC Skills Acquisition Centre to be dedicated to their studies because they will, we be required to construct and supply desks for LEA primary schools in AMAC.
He also inspected the construction of a solar-powered borehole in Jiwa community, including the installation of 3 solar streetlights in Gwagwa-Jiwa Bypass.
At Jiyita community, under Jiwa ward, Maikalangu also inspected the construction of a 500kva by 33 lines transformer at Damgbma community.
Maikalangu extended his visits to Zaudna and Bagusa communities to inspect solar boreholes constructed in the two communities.
The ongoing construction of a comprehensive water supply project at Kagini by Baptist Church was also inspected.
Speaking at Kagini by Baptist Church, the Head of Works and Housing, Arch. Andrew Gaza, said that the water supply project from Lower Usman Dam will be supplied to the entire community through different fetching points once completed.
Maikalangu’s visit to Karmo community was dramatic as over 2000 residents trooped out to welcome the Chairman, singing praises and songs to appreciate him for including them in his numerous projects in line with his campaign promises.
September 23, 2023
Maikalangu inspects salient community projects in AMAC
.. Warns contractors to keep to deadline
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu on Tuesday during media inspection tour around some communities from Jikwoyi to Karshi in the four political wards of zone.A, inspected projects ranging from rural electrification, motorized boreholes and asphalt road network and drainages in the various communities.
He warned that any contractor that fails to meet the standard would not be paid.
The various community projects inspected which he termed dividends of democracy and his campaign promises include AMAC projects such as Rural Electrification 500 KVA by 11 lines Transformer at Kugbo furniture market, Asphalt road of 595 kilometers and 10,000 liters comprehensive motorized borehole at Angwa Gade, Jikwoyi Phase 1.

Rehabilitation of Kpeyegi Phase 11 Asphalt Extension access road 2.15 kilometer road at Angwa Gbagi. Construction of comprehensive motorized borehole at Karshi. Karshi Saki, Orozo community, 850 meters road.
Others include Electrification of 500 KVA by 33 lines project at Angwa Dogo, Karshi. Rehabilitation of access road at Kurudu by Vita foam and installation of 500KVA transformer at Karu behind cemetery. Rehabilitation of access road in Kurudu with 500kv 33 lines transformers in Gidna-Diya and the ongoing access road at Gbagalape in Nyanya ward.
Speaking after the inspections of the various projects with members of his cabinet ,Maikalangu stated that the projects are some of the promises he made during his campaign and he was happy that the people are pleased with what they have.
Maikalangu said, “I’m happy with the progress of the projects so far, but the contractors must deliver in line with the required standards.”
“We appeal to the communities where the projects are sited to corporate with the contractors, else the project will be shifted to another community that needs it.”
He said that the contractors handling the projects have linked the delay in the work to rainy season, adding that the rainy season will soon be over and there would not be reason for excuses.
The AMAC Chairman promised that all the projects will be completed in two to three weeks time.
September 19, 2023
Maikalangu Frowns At Implementation of FCT-IRS Proposed Revenue Harmonization
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has frowned at the implementation of the proposed tax harmonization problem with the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT IRS)’s proposed harmonisation of revenue in the FCT.
Maikalangu made this known at a panel discussion, during a townhall meeting on harmonization of revenue on Monday in Abuja.
The AMAC decried the fact that the FCT- IRS was not included in the panel, but instead left after the acting executive secretary had presented his speech.
He said, ” In fact, I align with the position of the Royal Highness, the Onah of Abaji, that FCT IRS should start the revenue harmonisation with DOAS, AEPC, VIO, Water Board and others.”
“I sincerely wonder why FCT IRS is not here on this panel. There should be a stakeholders meeting where we will ask questions and get answers. What is worth doing is worth doing well.”
” Also, I don’t want to be misunderstood or misquoted as being against revenue harmonisation. I support revenue harmonisation, but things should be done the right way.”
“Many have been alleging that I was bought over by FCTA to support the harmonisation of revenue issue, but that is not true. I didn’t collect a dime from anybody to support the idea. However, I repeat that FCTA should do the thing with regards to the implementation of the idea.”
He lamented, “There are 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 the Abuja Municipal Area Council, which more often than not, has created bad blood between AMAC and FCTA.”
“As we are all aware, government works better with the payment of taxes by citizens. However, here at AMAC, we have been battling 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/ technical partners are not consistent and faithful to agreements reached.”
He noted that AMAC has gone on study tour of selected local councils in Lagos and Rivers, adding that the Council had 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 that the new arrangement involves our staff, revenue monitoring team with a view to avoiding duplications and loggerheads and the fact that it is in the superior interest of the masses to accept the harmonization revenue proposal.”
“It is projected to bring about a billion Naira to AMAC account on a monthly basis, against the epileptic and most times, the non-remittance of revenues by the contractors as agreed.”
“There are so many revenue diversions going on in the system and we need revenue to deliver the democratic dividends we have in mind for the good people of AMAC. So after due consultations with revenue experts and stakeholders, we as a council may decide to follow the path of other revenue benefiting states of the federation to harmonize our revenue streams.”
“There should not be any cash payment to anyone who claims to be representing AMAC. Our taskforce have been doing well in apprehending illegal revenue collectors and will continue to aid the FCT FIRS in apprehending illegal revenue collectors and invaders. Above all, we need your support for this administration to succeed.”
Meanwhile, Maikalangu urged that the success of proposed harmonization the AMAC taskforce on revenue monitoring and collection be collapsed 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.”
The Acting Executive Chairman FCT IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, pleaded for the cooperation of the six area councils and stakeholders, to ensure the harmonization is for the interest of all FCT residents.
The immediate past Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, urged all parties involved in the revenue harmonization, especially area council chairmen, to adhere to the framework.
The Onah of Abaji, HRH Yunusa Adamu, who was represented by Saraji Gabas, Asamu Shuaibu Kamai, urged the FCT IRS to ensure that taxation of FCT residents has human face.
“It is no longer news that many businesses are being overtaxed. Instead of residents having the willingness to pay tax, they are demoralized because of multiple taxes.
It could be recalled that revenue collection has been a major issue between FCTA and AMAC, often leading to litigations between the two government entities., the Onah emphasized.
July 11, 2023
Children’s Day: Maikalangu says education remains top priority in AMAC
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the 2023 Children’s day is being observed in the territory, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has said that the education of youths, children remains a top priority agenda for his administration.
Maikalangu who spoke during the celebration of the 2023 Children’s Day at LEA Primary School, Durumi 2, noted i
the importance of stakeholders in education – parents and the citizens to collaborate by teaching their children and wards the virtues of patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to nation-building as a way of fostering love and national unity .
Maikalangu who was represented by the Council Secretary, Hon. Jafaru Gwagwa said, “The children day celebration is a national day to celebrate all children. They are the future and they hold the key to our society.”
“On our part as a Council. We are providing interventions in the educational and social welfare sub-sectors. We have identified and begun the rehabilitation of primary schools as well as providing instructional materials some of which are going to be distributed to some in our first phase of interventions.”
‘ Children’s day is one special event set aside to promote awareness on issues relating to this special class in our communities in a platform that further addresses issues that border on the education, welfare and wellbeing of youths and children.”
“Through this forum, we are able to confront challenging scenarios that militate against their overall existence as leaders of future Nigeria with a view to providing safety nets afterwards.”
“In addition, it is the duty of all of us to desist from exposing children to foreign and counterproductive cultures. Here, church leaders, guardians and the school have greater roles to play.”
“The state of the nation as it concerns youth and children is not only distrubing, but unacceptable. The spate of out-of-school, child labour, street trading and begging is on the rise due to societys lack of commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the children.
“However, given the posture of this year’s theme, I advocate that the only solution is for us to have collective action in solving those and many other problems that has threatened the children, value-orientation, national concensus and other interconnected malaise in the society.
The LEA Secretary, Hajiya Maryam Baba Karshi, discussed that many teachers have been teaching in the school for years as PTA teachers, urging the Chairman to consider offering them permanent employment.
She said, “As children, everyday is your day. I want you to be good children. Good children are blessings to their parents. To the teachers, kindly take these children as your biological children if you want to succeed in life. ”
Hajiya Karshi however complained to the Chairman that although they hardworking and dedicated PTA teachers, but they are being paid peanuts.
According to her, most of the teachers have being teaching in this school for more than 12 years as PTA teachers as non staff and she requested that they should be employed as permanent teachers. Kindly use your good office to look into this request as we will be grateful, she pleaded.
Speaker of AMAC, Hon Matthew Danjuma, said that the council will make effort to provide seats for the pupils within the year in order to ensure good learning condition.
Danjuma said, “We will appropriate seats for you because they’re important. We did not sit on the floor during our time, so we will not allow you to sit on the floor.”
The Head of Education Department, Dr Ibrahim Aminu, said that the Chairman had approved screening of teachers which will commence next week.
He informed that screening of teachers is another way of sanitizing the educational system in the Communities, adding that teachers are not qualified they will not be able to teach well.
He also advised youths to stay away from drugs and friends who would influence them negatively.
Highlight of the day was the presentation of gifts to schools that participated in the March past exercise, with LEA Primary School Durumi 2 which won the first position.
May 28, 2023
AMAC Vows to sanitize IGR system
…trains Taskforce on IGR security
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Tuesday in Abuja vowed to sanitize the Revenue Collection system of the Council as it organized a two- day Taskforce training on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to improve its revenue system and improve Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
Chairman, Revenue Taskforce on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Yunusaon Yusuf, said that the two-day training was to equip and prepare members of the taskforce to perform the task ahead of them excellently.
He noted that sacking of fake revenue consultants and sealing up revenue leakages was the surest way to secure the Council’s IGR to enable the AMAC Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu deliver on his campaign promises and improve the lives of residents.
Yunusa who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Community Relations, warned fake revenue collectors to dump their shady deals or be prosecuted, as he urged members of the newly constituted AMAC Mobile Court to acquint themselves with by- laws of the Council ahead commencement of enforcement against revenue fraud.
AMAC Chief Revenue Officer, Danlami Anyadalo urged to downsize number of Consultants to a manageable figure to avoid management fraud , adding that it is necessary that the Council to identify its IGR consultants.
He also advised against granting of consultancy to friends, family members of staff.
Anyadalo called for the engagement of more AMAC staff in addition to genuine consultants for sanity in collection of revenue.
AMAC has further warned that the taskforce would soon begin massive clampdown on fake revenue consultants and others involved in criminal activities in the revenue system.
May 24, 2023
AMAC to Drag Fake Revenue Collectors To Mobil Court
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Chairman of the newly inaugurated Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Taskforce for Revenue , Monitoring , Inspection and Enforcement, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf has warned that all fake revenue collectors who parade as AMAC staff caught defrauding AMAC would henceforth be dragged to court.
Yusuf issued this warning after the official inauguration of the Taskforce by the AMAC Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu at the Secretariat yesterday.
He warned all fake revenue collectors who parade as AMAC representatives receiving cash and those paying cash to individuals will be prosecuted, adding the mandate of the Taskforce is to block all leakages.
“We will protect the revenue of AMAC taxpayers. We want an AMAC that whatever you are paying as revenue, would work for the people, we can no longer condone a situation whereby our revenue is diverted into private pockets.”
“We want to warn clearly that anyone who goes about saying he is representing AMAC collecting revenue without permission for AMAC or that is collaborating with illegal revenue collectors by paying less in cash and short-changing AMAC, you will pay twice and still be prosecuted.”
Yusuf advised residents to always pay into AMAC account and demand notice, adding any demand notice which does not have AMAC account is wrong.
He further disclosed that the Taskforce will go around to see evidence of revenue payment to enhance satisfactory service delivery to the people.
Meanwhile, AMAC Taskforce Legal Advisor, Ndudi Ezekiel Chidi said that payment of revenue has been harmonized, because extortions were the order of the day.
Ezekiel said the new AMAC effected some changes in the demand notices because of illegalities in the previous administration, which allowed people to pay revenue into private pockets.
He disclosed that Maikalangu, has harmonized the terms of ensuring all money meant to be paid into banks is collected by a revenue consultant, adding that the new change is applicable to hotels, filling stations and banks.
We are poised to deliver dividends of democracy to people that pay this tax, Chidi promised.
April 7, 2023
IGR Sabotage: Erring staffers would be punished – Zakka warns
Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu has promised to deal with severely with any staff , Department and Agency, aiming to sabotage the efforts of the Council in scaling up its internal revenue generation, IGR.
The Chairman gave this warning on Wednesday when he spoke to heads of departments and staffs of the the revenue department of the council.
This was contained in a press release signed by Kinsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant Media and Public Affairs to AMAC Chairman made available to Daybreak today.
The statement read, ” Maikalangu warned that all constitutional means to punish any staff or technical consultants under his supervision that failed to comply with the renewed vigour of the the new AMAC administration to boost its revenue base.”
“ I will be the first Chairman to discipline any erring technical consultant or staff who wants to sabotage government’s efforts in00 up-scaling Internally Revenue Generation (IGR) for the Administration.”
Maikalangu also frowned at the lukewarm attitude of some revenue-based technical consultants in driving the process, adding that despite the numbers of banks, hotels filling stations in the Territory it was still difficult to pay salaries.
“Please stay away of any act of criminality because we are going out completely with monitoring and enforcement team that will checkmate any criminal activities.”
In as much as you are my brother and sister do the right thing because AMAC must move higher and greater than we met it” the Chairman warned.
July 28, 2022
Eid-El-Kabir: AMAC Chairman felicitates with Muslim Faithful, calls for peace
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As Muslim Faithful celebrate Eid-el- Kabir, Chairman Of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu has felicitated with Muslims faithful in the council and the Federal Capital Territory,
In his Salah Message to residents signed by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to AMAC Chairman Kingsley Madaki, made available to Daybreak today, the Chairman in his Salah messages to residents urged Muslims and Nigerians to use the Salah period, which he described as a golden opportunity to embrace one another in promoting long-lasting peace and unity in Nigeria.
Maikalangu said that Muslims must continuously sustain discipline exhibited during the last Ramadan fast, to promote such qualities that would project Nigeria as a leading nation globally and a nation to be proud of.
The Chairman further emphasized that the occasion should also be used to foster unity as exemplified by the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim culminating in the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.
He also called on AMAC residents to be law abiding, adding that selflessness, love and sacrifice are part of the guiding principles in the Eid-el-Kabir.
He used the occasion to assure residents that his administration will strive to implement necessary policies to improve the economy of the council.
The chairman while appreciating Almighty Allah for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, enjoined all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious and political affiliations to continue to live in peace, harmony and to be their brothers’ keeper.
Meanwhile Maikalangu reiterated his commitment to strengthen all institutions for a dynamic, orderly, and all-inclusive administration in AMAC while appealing for unity and co- existence among Nigerians and total support for President Muhammad Buhari’s administration fight against security challenges and and a robust national economy.
Furthermore he called for prayers for the FCT Administration and success of the country’s leadership under President Buhari, for Allah’s guidance, protection, and wisdom to steer the affairs of the nation as his administration winds up.
July 9, 2022