By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing all grey areas in the ongoing revenue harmonisation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The acting Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, Mr Haruna Abdullahi said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the revenue harmonisation in Abuja.
The MoU was signed between FCT-IRS and the Kuje Area Council at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some stakeholders were skeptical about the transparency and accountability in the revenue harmonisation initiative which made FCT-IRS the sole revenue collector in the FCT.
Abdullahi, who described the ongoing harmonisation as a “marathon and not a sprint”, assured stakeholders that all concerns would be considered and addressed accordingly.
“This is a new initiative and as always, there will be challenges. However, I want to assure stakeholders that the harmonisation process will not be in a sprint, but a marathon, taking one step at a time.
“Along the way, with determination and integrity, we will get there, and we will all be smiling at the end of the day,” he said.
He said that the MoU between FCT-IRS and Kuje Area Council would provide stakeholders with a clear framework that outlines respective roles and responsibilities in the harmonisation processes.
He assured FCT residents that every kobo contributed to the revenue purse would be accounted for and used judiciously.
On transparency and accountability, the chairman said that the FCT-IRS would leverage technology, strategic partnerships, and employ international best practices.
This, according to him, will ensure the needed transparency in the harmonisation procedures and processes.
“As we embark on this harmonisation journey, I want to assure all residents of the city that every kobo contributed will be accounted for and used judiciously.
“This is not just about Kuje, it is a template and beckon of hope on what can be achieved when organisations and government agencies come together to work for the good of all.”
Abdullahi assured stakeholders that the revenue service would continue to engage and clarify issues of concerns as they emerged in line with relevant laws and guidelines.
He said that the channels for clarifying every concern would always be opened for dialogue for all stakeholders to be on the same page.
He commended Mr Adesola Olusade, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, for his dedication and support in the harmonsation journey, adding that his unwavering commitment had been inspiring.
Abdullahi also commended the Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, for his determination and steadfastness in supporting the revenue harmonisation process.
In his remarks, Sabo affirmed the council’s confidence in the capacity of the FCT-IRS to handle revenue collection on their behalf.
He expressed confidence that with FCT-IRS standardisation of existing data and automation of revenue collection, all levy and revenue collections in Kuje Area Council would be transmitted electronically.
He expressed optimism on the success of the project and indicated confidence that other area councils would equally sign the MoU with the FCT-IRS to strengthen the harmonisation drive.
Olusade, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said that the revenue harmonisation drive was part of efforts to ensure ease of doing business in the FCT, which began in 2012.
He attributed the current challenges to the harmonisation process to lack of mutual trust and insufficient teamwork among relevant stakeholders.
The permanent secretary, however, expressed optimism that the harmonsation process would grow to fruition with the level of commitment being expressed by relevant stakeholders. (NAN)
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
