By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), has solicited a robust partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), to enhance tax compliance and boost revenue collection in the FCT.

The acting Executive Chairman of the service, Mr Michael Ango sought the partnership when he visited the Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ango described NFIU as one of the strategic stakeholders of FCT-IRS and stressed the need to strengthen existing collaboration for mutual benefits of the two organisations.

He explained that the visit was part of the service’s engagement with key stakeholders to solicit for support and cooperation.

The goal, according to him, is to enhance revenue collection and tax administration in the FCT.

The acting chairman, who acknowledged the existing partnership between the two organisations, said that the move was to strengthen the partnership for better results and progress of FCT.

“Coming together to share ideas, data and information between FCT-IRS and NFIU will help in no small measure, in facilitating improved operations for better results,” Ango said.

Responding, NFIU boss expressed confidence in Ango’s capacity to take FCT-IRS to greater heights and entrenched efficiency, effectiveness and integrity in revenue generation.

Abubakar said that NFIU was willing to tap from the experience and knowledge of the FCT-IRS boss in law, taxation and other areas of expertise to further enhance their operations.

She explained that NFIU recognises tax crimes, particularly tax evasion as a serious offence, adding that it denies the government the resources it needs to invest in infrastructure and other development projects.

“I am pleased that the FCT-IRS is one of our first and indeed our most effective partners in this regard.

“The relationship we established with your office serves as a groundbreaking model and we are now working with about 24 other state revenue services.

“We believe our efforts are making a significant contribution to domestic revenue mobilisation across the federation” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal