Abuja monarchs lament multiple taxes, levies
The monarchs in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have lamented the multiplicity of taxes being imposed in the nation’s capital, urging the FCT Administration and relevant stakeholders to be humane in imposing exorbitant taxes on residents.
The Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa who was represented by the Sarkin Gabas, Abaji, Alhaji Kamal Adamu Shuaibu gave the charge on Monday at a town hall meeting on Harmonization of Revenue in the FCT organized by the FCT Internal Revenue Service IRS.
He said, “Tax and taxations are about human beings. The taxes in FCT are so unsettling. We want to see a situation whereby we impose and collect these taxes with human face. I want to ask you; by the time you leave your offices and become ordinary people like us, will you be able to pay such taxes? Can you pay? If your answer is ‘No’, then let us face the facts”, he stated.
A tax consultant, Bosun Ayeni had revealed the multiplicity of taxes and revenues in the FCT, noting that there are 446 tax subheads in the Territory.
He explained that the six Area Councils are collectively in charge of collecting 155 revenues while the Secretariats, Departments and Agencies SDAs are responsible for 275. He said the FCT Internal Revenue Service collects only about 16.
Ayeni said, “There are so many revenues sounding the same, yet collected by different agencies.”
Some of the annual taxes that a typical small shop owner, like a Pharmacy, in the FCT is expected to pay are about 16 in number. They included Food and Water related handling permit; Gaseous Emission permit; Radio, television and communication mast permit, for generators; Pest and Vector control bill, Fumigation; POS machine permit; Development levies; CCTV Cameras permit, and Sign Post and Advertisement
Others are Biohazard waste storage, handling and disposal permit; Building fitness and habitation certificate; Tenement Rates; Shops, Kiosks Business inspection permit; Liquor Permit; Toilet inspection Permit; Internet/Computer permit; and, Business registration permit.
While speaking on the issues, Permanent Secretary in the FCT Administration, Mr Adesola Olusade, stressed that the new harmonized revenue collection system was designed to woo both local and foreign investors to the capital city.
He said, “by simplifying and consolidating our revenue collection systems, we aim to attract more investment, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities”.
“This will enhance FCT’s reputation as an investment-friendly destination and contribute to the overall development of the region”.
The Chairman of FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, while making it clear, said that the harmonization system is duly backed by extant laws and regulations.
He said, “The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service Act entrusts us, the FCT-IRS, with a duty to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and agencies in harmonizing and improving our tax practices.
“This is aimed at optimizing our revenue generation efforts, while ensuring simplicity, transparency, and accountability in our tax systems.
“Our Harmonization Drive is not just about increasing our revenue. It is about building a system that works for all of us, a system that respects the contributions of every stakeholder, and a system that uses these contributions for the benefit of all.
“The Harmonization Drive is not merely an administrative reform; it represents a catalyst for socioeconomic development. By harmonizing and simplifying our revenue collection systems, we can unlock the full potential of our resources and pave the way for sustainable growth, improved service delivery, and enhanced quality of life for our citizens”.
