By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled a Strategic Plan for delegation of duties and responsibilities of revenue collection to the Federal Capital Territory-Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).

Mr Adesola Olusade, Permanent Secretary in charge of FCTA, unveiled the plan during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

He disclosed that a Project Management approach was adopted to ensure the successful execution of the delegation.

According to him, the approach, known for its well-structured, organised, and systematic processes, will guide the FCT-IRS through the transition, adding that it would provide a clear roadmap for implementation.

Olusade said that part of the implementation structure was a Project Steering Committee (PSC), previously known as the Implementation Committee.

He explained that the committe would be chaired by the Permanent Secretary, FCTA.

Olusade added that the committee will consist of the Chairman of FCT-IRS and Chairmen of the Area Councils, among others as members.

He noted that the policy decisions of the PSC would be implemented by the project implementation committee to be chaired by the Chairman, FCT-IRS.

“Membership of the committee would be constituted and conveyed by the chairman.

“The PSC, which comprises key stakeholders would provide strategic direction, make critical decisions and ensure that the project achieves its objectives.

“Accordingly, the Project Steering Committee will provide strategic direction, decision making, monitoring and oversight, risk management and communications among other functions,” he said.

Olusade explained that the decision to harmonise all revenues and centralise collection at the FCT-IRS was in the best interest of the territory and its people.

He further said that decision was the outcome of an extensive deliberation by relevant stakeholders.

This, he said, was part of a commitment to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of the territory’s revenue collection system.

He commended stakeholders for embracing the idea, and described it as a “point of no return” in the shared journey to promote sanity in revenue collection in the FCT.

In his remarks, FCT-IRS Acting Executive Chairman, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, said that the delegation of all revenue collection to a single entity was borne out of the resolutions of the “Akure Accord”.

Abdullahi said that the development marked a significant step toward creating a more business-friendly environment that would attract investment, stimulate growth, and create job opportunities.

He described the decision as “strategic” in ensuring efficient, transparent, and effective revenue collection system for a prosperous FCT.

According to him, the centralisation of revenue collection under the FCT-IRS will eliminate duplication of functions, reduce administrative cost, and streamline revenue collection processes.

“It will also ensure that all revenue collection activities are coordinated, thereby, reducing the potential for errors, saving cost, and preventing leakages.

“Also, accountability is guaranteed when a single entity is responsible for revenue collection, serving as a one-stop shop for all revenue transactions and audits.

“This will build taxpayers’ trust, encourage voluntary tax compliance, attract more businesses and investment needed to stimulate economic growth,” he said

The FCT-IRS boss added that the centralisation of revenue collection would promote efficient data collection and analysis for decision making.

He said that data would provide valuable insights into revenue trends, taxpayer behaviour, potential areas of improvement in the tax system and support accurate revenue forecasting.

“This will help the FCT to plan and make its budget more effective,” he said.

On his part, Mr Danladi Chiya, Chairman of the FCT Association of Local Government of Nigeria, pledged the support of the association toward the success of the harmonisation project.

Chiya promised that the six Area Councils’ Chairmen would work to ensure that FCT-IRS succeeds. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Polycarp Auta

By Constance Athekame

The World Bank said on Tuesday that it planned to commit additional 750 million dollars to deepen Nigerians access to electricity through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

Ms Elizabeth Huybens, the World Bank’s Director of Strategy and Operations for Western Central African Region, said this while inspecting the 60 KiloWatts Mini Grid Project in Kilankwa Community, Kwali Area Council of Abuja.

The project is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through NEP.

“This is our first national electrification project we see at work here, about $350 million is coming to a close, and we are preparing a successor project that will be $750 million.

“ We are definitely extending our support to something that we think is critical and Nigeria is leading the world in small grid development,” she said.

Huybens said that the Kilankwa project would assist the country in providing access to electricity to more people faster than it could have done by just extending the national grid.

“So, I am very impressed that the grids in small communities works and there is also the foresight to think about how one can fully optimise the use of the electricity generated to expand productive activities.

“Like the rice mill that we have just seen, I hope that in future, we will see a lot more of that,” she said.

The director said that the project was considered because the bank believed that access to electricity by all was one of the most important goals to pursue by any country.

According to her, without electricity, it is hard to think about how communities can live, adding that kids cannot study at night.

“We cannot move toward electric vehicles, if we don’t have electricity. In fact, you cannot even charge your cell phone without electricity.

“So, it is hard for me to think about modern life without electricity and it is hard for me to think about reducing poverty without access to electricity.

”And since the World Bank’s overarching goal is to help countries eradicate poverty, we need to help them provide access to electricity for its population,’’ Huybens said.

The Managing Director, REA, Mr Ahmad Salihijo, said that the project was currently serving about 300 households and businesses.

Salihijo said that the project was developed by the World Bank under the Performance-Based Grant of NEP.

“This has been operational for some time now. So, we are privileged to have come here with the World Bank team to see how it is performing.

“We are working on ensuring productive use and also that we have energy-efficient equipment connected to the mini grid,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ayuba Yabo, a Rice Miller, commended the Federal Government and the World Bank for bringing the project to their community.

Yabo said that the project had assisted him to reduce the cost of diesel to run his business and enabled him make more profit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Oluyinka Fadare

By Cecilia Ijuo

The Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wale Adeniyi, has assured of his commitment to bringing an end the encumbrances experienced during trade.

Adeniyi gave the assurance when former Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, handed over to him on Monday in Abuja.

He said he would work towards simplifying trade processes, adding that encumbrances had impeded effective service delivery in the past.

According to him, Customs under his administration will build on the legacies of his predecessor, who piloted affairs of the service for almost eight years.

“We will build on the solid foundation you have laid for us and consolidate the things we are meeting on ground.

“We are going to engage very critically with our stakeholders and use innovative technologies to drive everything,” he said.

The acting comptroller-general said he would discharge his duties with utmost professionalism, fairness, transparency and integrity.

“This is the beginning of a new era in the Nigeria Customs Service.

“This call to duty signifies a great responsibility to serve our nation as a trade facilitator and enforcer of government policies.

“It demands professionalism, integrity and highest ethical standards,” he said.

The customs boss said the service had over the last seven years embarked on a transformation journey focused on reform, restructuring and revenue generation.

He said he would prioritise efficiency in service delivery, adding that it was the bedrock of trade facilitation and revenue generation.

He further said he would ensure career advancement, staff welfare, technological advancement, and collaboration with other government agencies and relevant stakeholders.

“We will promote dialogue for more efficiency, effectiveness and ensure transparency, fairness, equity, integrity as well as consolidation of the modernisation process.

On challenges, Adeniyi said “we face emerging trend like criminal networks that requires our utmost attention.

“We must adapt to this changing landscape by collaborating with international partners, law enforcement agencies and customs administrations of other nations.”

The acting comptroller of customs said he would work towards implementating the new Customs Act.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his appointment, adding that he would be committed to the success of the service and the nation at large.

Adeniyi said he would be fair to all, show respect to all and ensure that he left Customs better than he met it.

On policies of his predecessor, Adeniyi said Ali’s effort at revamping the service was well appreciated, saying “you discharged your duties to the best of your ability.

“Some of us think you are too hard. However, we cannot take away the fact that you are a firm leader,” he said.

The acting comptroller said one of the major lessons he learnt from Ali was, “as a leader you need to be firm.”

He said the service made progress in terms of processes, training and retraining among other things during Ali’s tenure.

In his remarks, the former Customs comptroller-general said it was important for Customs officers to uphold professionalism and integrity.

He said that “Customs is one of the most critical, professional and technical service in the world.

“We have been able to build the service to be respected.

“There were obstacles no doubt, but we did our best within our capacity to reposition it.

“If there is any legacy I want to leave behind it is honour and integrity and we must put God first in whatever we do.”

He further said, “Our policeman as humans is our conscience and it will tell you if the decision you want to take is right or wrong”.

He said he was happy with the fact that Adeniyi was chosen as his successor, adding that he had the qualities to continue from where he stopped.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the event was presentation of gift item to the former comptroller-general.

NAN further reports that Adeniyi is the 14th indigenous comptroller-general of customs and 31st since its establishment in 1891. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz