By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), has unveiled a user-friendly e-portal to improve the quality of tax services and promote efficient tax administration in the territory.

The acting Executive Chairman of the service, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, explained at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, that the platform would harmonise convenience, transparency, and accountability in tax administration.

Abdullahi, who was represented by Ms Chinwe Ndu, acting Director, Tax Department, said that the platform was the IRS collection, receipting, assessment, and Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) platform.

He added that the platform heralded an era where taxpayers could navigate their obligations with ease and efficiency, all at the click of a button from the comfort of their homes or offices.

The FCT-IRS boss described the feat as a significant milestone in the journey toward revolutionising revenue management and collection.

He said that the e-portal harnesses the power of technology to enable both taxpayers and tax administrators to interact in a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly manner.

“The e-Portal stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to our mission to provide effective and efficient tax administration through continuous innovation.

“This platform will help us bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, and propelling tax management further into the digital age.

“Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, a business owner, or a tax consultant, this platform has been meticulously designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

“Some of the features include the promotion of ease of doing business within the FCT, enhancement of accessibility to important tax-related services, simplified and streamlined tax services among other things,” Abdullai said.

Unveiling the portal, Mr James Olukotun, acting Director, ICT, explained that the portal was a cloud-based application designed for tax collection, receipt, assessment, TCC management, filing of returns, registration, reporting and all services of revenue management.

Olukotun added that the platform was embedded with a Revenue Management System (RMS) portal and self-service e-portal.

He explained that the RMS was designed for officers of FCT-IRS to among other things, perform the functions of collection, registration, assessment, return filling, reporting, receipting and TCC issuance.

He said that e-portal self-service, on the other hand, allowed both taxpayers and tax administrators to interact in a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly manner.

One of the technical partners of the service, Mr Bosun Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer, Autocomm Services, said that all states were faced with the challenge of revenue generation and collection.

Ayeni pledged continued support to FCT-IRS in the use of technology solutions to boost revenue generation and collections with a view to serve the people better.

Similarly, Mr Kumaiin Ikya, Deputy Director, Land Administration Department, FCT Administration, said there were existing gaps in revenue generation and collection.

Ikya expressed optimism that the FCT-IRS technology-driven approach would bridge the gaps and ensure efficient tax administration and improve delivery of services in FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dashboard of the e-portal shows that the FCT-IRS has collected N1.6 billion this week and N1.9 billion so far, in March.

The portal also shows that a total of 25.5 billion have been collected so far in 2024 with an average daily collection of N23.3 million.

It further shows that the revenue service has a total of 1.5 million taxpayers in its tax net, out of which 392,737 are corporate taxpayers while 1.1 million were individuals. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says all is set for the appointment of nine Permanent Secretaries for the nine Secretariats of the FCT  Administration.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, while fielding questions from journalists, after inspecting some road projects in the FCT.

He explained that the development was in line with provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act, 2018, which President Bola Tinubu had approved its implementation.

He said the President’s decision was in fulfilment of his “Renewed Hope” agenda.

The minister said  the most senior directors in the FCTA would be appointed as permanent secretaries for the secretariats, namely Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, and Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

Others are Education, Social Development, Legal Services, Area Council, Health and Environment, and Women Affairs Secretariat.

He said that he had met with all the senior directors in the FCTA to inform them of the development and tasked them on dedication to duty.

“President Tinubu in his wisdom and Renewed Hope Agenda, insisted that the 2018 Act must be implemented, which has given  the FCT a Civil Service Commission.

“By this, the FCTA will have its own Head of Service, and then of course, it will have permanent secretaries for the nine secretariats.

“But again, that means that we will require a lot of commitments from them,” he said.

Wike expressed displeasure on the delays in moving files, and warned the directors against any delay that would sabotage the administration’s  efforts.

“So, it is better to let them know that if the  President has done this for you, you should also be able to reciprocate by committing yourself to work harder.

“We have told them that no file will stay in a director’s office for more than three to four days, so that the work can move on, and they have agreed to that,” he said.

The minister also said he had approved the promotion of about 8,000 workers, adding that the beneficiaries should pay back by putting in more effort and commitment to their jobs. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says his constant monitoring of ongoing projects in the territory, Abuja, is to keep contractors on their toes.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Monday, after inspecting ongoing road projects in Guzape and the full-scale development of arterial road ‘N20′ at Jahi District.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the N20 begins from Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yar’adua Expressway), to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

The minister explained that his constant and unscheduled visit to project sites was to ensure that the contractors deliver on agreed time and with expected quality.

He said that the contractors had promised to deliver most of the projects by May, adding that he was on their toes to ensure that they deliver as promised.

“We make sure that we go round to see the commitments made by the various contractors and to see whether they are going to fulfill the promises they had made.

“On Saturday, we also had this kind of inspection and today, we went to Guzape, the diplomatic zone and now we are on N20 road.

“The last time I came here, the work was not up to this extent, and I am very much impressed with what I have seen.

“This shows that God willing, by May, they will hand over these projects to us and then we will hand them over to the public,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, says the FCT Administration will establish a police post in all its warehouses to prevent miscreants from invading and looting their contents.

Mahmoud stated this in Abuja on Monday, after an assessment visit to the warehouse located at Gwagwa-Tasha, which was looted by residents on Sunday, to ascertain the level of damage.

The minister described the looting as a very unfortunate incident, stressing that the hoodlums carted away all the grains and other food stuff in the warehouse, including the roofing sheets.

The action, according to her, is beyond hunger; it is criminal.

“We are here due to the unfortunate incident that happened early hours of yesterday (Sunday), where hoodlums attacked this very warehouse and packed everything that is here.

“Not only food items, including the roofing, windows, and even the gates of this place were carted away.

“You can see the level of damage. There is nothing that is left here, including machineries that are used for the processing of some of the food in the warehouse”.

She identified the youths in the area as the suspects that may have instigated the looting.

The minister explained that the looting occurred when the FCT Administration was restocking its warehouses with a view to meeting up with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

She said that Tinubu had directed that palliative be distributed to residents in all the six Area Councils of the FCT.

She assured that the administration would prosecute those behind the ugly incident.

“We distributed the palliative twice and about to do the third one, when the hoodlums attacked the trucks offloading food items in the warehouse, leaving some of the officials injured.

“This is a sign that we need to reinforce the security situation around all our warehouses, because you just have to keep food.

“But the way this thing happened actually is beyond hunger. This is a criminal act. Somebody that is hungry cannot move out to remove all the roofing that is here,” she said.

Mahmoud further said that the incident may delay the distribution of palliative in the territory.

By Philip Yatai

The indigenous inhabitants of Abuja have called on policy makers to provide them with a platform for the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage.

They made the call during a public presentation of a book entitled, “Odyssey of A Rootsman: The Biography of Yunana Dawudu”, in Abuja.

They argued that the platform would create opportunities for the Abuja indigenes to discuss their history, and cultural heritage, including threats and other burning issues that affect them.

This, according to them, would serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, self-examination, and positive action in their collective journey toward progress and prosperity.

They added that the fora, devoid of any political and religious colouration, would focus on how to promote their values of hard work, patience, forthrightness, and integrity.

One of them, Mr Richard Daudu, said that in spite of the level of progress in the nation’s capital, the indigenous people were still faced with political and economic deprivations among other challenges.

Daudu emphasised the need for the indigenous people to be encouraged to tell their stories to prevent distortion of their history and legacies.

He described the book launch as one of the ways the people could tell their stories.

He said that the book transcends beyond a biography of the life and times of Yunana Dawudu to a testament of the enduring spirit of humanity and the power of perseverance.

“The biography paints a vivid picture of the environment and culture in which Dawudu and his contemporaries thrived, despite the challenges they faced.

“Our gathering today is not merely the presentation of a book; it is a celebration of heritage, a call to action, and testament to the importance of storytelling.

“As we navigate through the pages of Yunana Dawudu’s life, let us not only celebrate his legacy, but also reflect on our own journeys,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the event would elicit the interest of the older generation to tell their stories – the environment they lived in and the limited opportunities they had.

He added that it would also incite the younger ones to recognise the current opportunities in terms of education, business and other areas of life and harness them.

Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, while presenting the book, re-echoed the need for the indigenous people to preserve and showcase their cultural heritage.

Jisalo, however, expressed optimism that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration would give the people the needed “air to breathe”, as evident with his appointment as a member of Tinubu’s cabinet.

He urged his people to leverage on the constitutional amendment by the National Assembly to push for more legislative seats, which he described as crucial to their quest for improved inclusion in governance.

On his part, Sen. Philip Aduda, who represented the FCT in the ninth Senate, described the biography as an eye opener and a reference book for the younger generation to learn from the experience and exploits of the old.

Similarly, Mr Abdullahi Candido, the immediate past Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, described Dawudu as one of the connecting rods between the old and the new generations of FCT inhabitants.

Candido said that Dawudu agitated, promoted, and encouraged his people to be receptive to the different kinds of people flowing into Abuja, the new Nigeria and home to all.

He added that the celebrator was also among those who piloted the affairs of the FCT Administration, and among the champions of the political trajectory of the indigenous inhabitants of FCT.

The celebrator, Mr Dawudu, an octogenarian, described his biography, co-authored by Chukwuemeka Chukwudi and Mrs Msurshima Chenge as a masterpiece that would be of interest to students of social sciences and historians.

He said that the 168 pages biography chronicled his life, what it means to be born in a rural community, his experience of the development of Abuja into a capital city and the consequences on his people.

He urged young people to read and learn from his experience. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the Wuye/Wuse Flyover is 85 per cent completed and will be inaugurated in May.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday, after inspecting the project, along with the Vice-President’s residence and  11-kilometre (km) six lane dual carriage expressway linking Kuje to Airport Expressway.

Wike added that the road from Kuje to Airport Expressway, when completed, would open the area for transformative economic growth and development.

The minister, who equally visited the vice-president’s residence being handled by Julius Berger, expressed optimism that the project would be completed in May.

“I must commend the various contractors, the Arab Contractors and Julius Berger.

“The first site we went to is almost 85 per cent completed, that is, one of those interchanges in Wuye District. The contractors are keeping faith with their commitment to handover the project by May.

“Then we also went to Kuje to inspect the six-lane road of about 11km. The road from the Airport Road down to Kuje will open that area of the Area Council.

“The last time when I went to flag off one of the rural roads, we didn’t see much about the contractors, and I did say that the contractors are not serious.

“Going back there today, I am very impressed with the level and quality of work,” he said.

Speaking at the official residence of the vice-president, the minister said the contractors were at the stage of electrical installations, adding that a lot of changes would be seen in the next few weeks.

“We were at the VP’s residence which is being handled by Julius Berger and like I said, they have made further commitment that by May, they are going to hand it over.

“They are known for quality, and we are financing them well,” the minister said.

Wike reiterated that no ongoing project in the FCT would be abandoned, adding that the projects were considered as priority and have been included in the FCT’s 2024 statutory budget to ensure adequate funding. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has unveiled its newly built Geo-Spatial Centre which would help in processing data for information gathering, research and forecasting for disaster prevention.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, while inaugurating the laboratory in Abuja on Wednesday, highlighted the increasing global disasters affecting Nigeria and the world at large.

Assuring Nigerians of government’s continued support for enhancing public service and improving citizens’ welfare, the SGF urged NEMA and its partners to maximise the centre’s capabilities for better service delivery.

“The world is confronted by increasing global upsurge in magnitude, hence the need for the centre.

“There is also the complexity of various disasters that have affected many countries as evidenced in droughts, floods, desertification, famine, and even communal crises arising from competition over land use and ownership.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria is not isolated from the consequences of the global weather-related crises.

“The consequences of these are evidenced in various disasters that have affected many communities and resulted in loss of lives, injuries, destruction of livelihoods and forced displacement amongst others,” he said.

He said that the government is committed to effective disaster management and providing necessary support to affected people.

According to him, in addition to providing succour to disaster affected persons, other aspects of disaster management cycles are equally very essential.

He, however, commended NEMA for the success in establishing the centre, adding that it would support disaster forecasting, data mapping and information management systems.

The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, in a remark, said that it was worthy to note that the Geo-spatial Centre was in a very dysfunctional condition when he assumed office.

He said that in realising the importance of the laboratory, the management brainstormed on an urgent approach to resuscitate the centre to international standard.

According to him, inaugurating the Geo-spatial Centre marks a significant milestone in disaster management in the country.

Ahmed, who highlighted the centre’s role in disaster preparedness and mitigation, commended President Bola Tinubu’s effort to better the lives of the citizens.

Sen. Mohammed Onawo, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, commended NEMA for establishing the Geo-Spatial Centre.

Onawo assured NEMA that the Senate would provide support to enhance disaster management in Nigeria.

On his part, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Rep. Joseph Bassey, also assured of necessary support for NEMA and disaster management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NEMA’s Geo-Spatial Centre is established to collect, collate, store, analyse and display geo-referenced disaster data within the country.

It is to aid efficient decision making in planning, search and rescue, response, recovery, and rehabilitation as well as disseminate such for humanitarian interventions.

The Centre, formerly referred to as NEMA GIS Laboratory, was established in 2006 to enhance humanitarian operations following the paradigm shift from relief intervention to disaster risk management.

Some of the functions of the Unit include processing and using space satellite technology data for information gathering research and forecasting for disaster management.

It is also expected to carry out field survey, mapping and evaluation of various disasters and its aftermath, and to carry out damage, risk vulnerability analysis and prediction for both the agency and public consumption, among others.

Notable achievements of the centre include facilitating the analysis of seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlooks.

It has also developed early warning messages, produced risk maps to guide preparedness and mitigation actions, and built capacity for disaster data management.

The centre has also conducted critical infrastructure mapping, flood risk assessments and research into the causes of flood and soil erosion in various locations across Nigeria.

NAN also reports that the inauguration of the Geo-spatial Centre represents a significant step towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster management in Nigeria. (NAN)

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), says it is strengthening emergency response in the six area councils of the territory.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, communicated this during the inauguration of Local Emergency Management Committee in Abaji, Abaji Area Council.

Wenegieme explained that the committee was established to ensure disaster risk reduction at community level in line with the National Emergency Management Agency Act.

She said that the Act provided for the establishment of State Emergency Management Agency at state level and Local Emergency Management Committee at local government level.

Wenegieme said that the committee would serve as the first responder to emergencies at community level while awaiting the arrival of FEMA and other supporting agencies.

The director added that members of the committee would be adequately trained on common disasters and how to carry out rescue operations in an effective and inclusive manner.

“The members will also be engaged in FEMA’s quarterly refresher meetings to keep them on top of their game, update them on weather outlooks and modern methods in disaster response.

“FEMA will equally engage the committee members on simulation and drill exercises to equip them with the necessary skills on how to carry out rescue operations during emergencies,” she said.

The Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, pledged to procure vehicle, motorcycles, and other logistics for the committee to strengthen emergency response.

The chairman said that the council would also procure a fire fighter truck to be stationed in Abaji, if the FCT Fire Service could not do so.

The step, according to him, is to ensure speedy response to fire outbreaks in the area.

He commended FEMA for the tireless efforts to ensure that the committee was inaugurated, and for the series of sensitisation campaigns to educate residents on how to prevent or mitigate disasters.

“We will do everything humanly possible as a council to support the committee to effectively carry out its functions.

“I will also be deeply involved in the activities of the committee to ensure effective disaster risk reduction in Abaji Area Council,” he said.

The chairman urged the committee members, whom he said were strategically selected, to discharge their duties with all honesty and ensure that no one was left behind during emergencies. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration is creating a conducive environment for investors in the federal capital.

Wike stated this when a delegation from the Sunrise Estate Developers, a subsidiary of Nadeem Group, visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was to officially invite the minister to the inauguration of Sunrise Water Park, located at R1, Sunrise Blvd, Kugbo in Abuja, slated for March.

“Ours is to make sure that we create a conducive environment for investors to come in and invest.

“I am happy that the members of your team and your subsidiary companies have shown interest in areas like construction

“Let me sincerely thank you for what you are doing in contributing to the development of the city.

“The park will create a lot of commercial and economic activities and, of course, generate employment opportunities for our youths.

“So, we commend you for believing in Abuja and we will make sure our relationship grows,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the developers for investing in Abuja, adding that the sunrise water park would serve its commercial and economic interest.

He expressed optimism that the park would also provide employment for the teeming youths in the FCT.

Wike, however, reminded the group to be regular and timely in the payment of taxes to the FCTA, as such would enable the administration to carry out developmental projects.

“You must make sure that you pay your taxes; it is important because without these taxes, we will not be able to construct roads and provide other public facilities.

“So, when I praise you for investing, I will also encourage you to pay your taxes promptly,” Wike said.

Earlier, Mr George Tolofari, Special Adviser to the Chief Executive Officer of sunrise estate developers, said that the visit was to formally invite the minister to the inauguration of the park.

Tolofari, who described the park as the biggest in Africa, said that it had the latest technologies for a fulfilling experience.

He commended Wike for being an investor-friendly minister, adding that the minister’s continued support would spur the company to regularly bring its expertise to bear in the development of the capital city. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta