The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has re-affirmed that the on-going harmonisation drive in the FCT “is a marathon not a sprint, as such, all concerns raised by stakeholders will be considered and addressed accordingly.”
The executive chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Haruna Abdullahi, made the clarification Friday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on revenue harmonisation with Kuje Area Council in Abuja.
According to him, as the project takes shape, stakeholders are encouraged to ask questions and the Service is committed to providing answers, addressing concerns and fostering greater understanding.
He said the signed MoU between FCT-IRS and Kuje Area Council would provide stakeholders with a clear framework outlining their respective roles and shared responsibilities “in this harmonisation initiative.”
He assured the residents of the city that every contributed kobo would be properly accounted for and used judiciously and reiterated the commitment of the Service “in leveraging technology, strategic partnerships, and adopting international best practices to ensure that the FCT-IRS maintains a high standard in its processes.”
“This is not just about Kuje, it is a template and beckon of hope on what can be achieved when organisations come together. And I will also have to say here that all concerns are valid and that is why we are here. We’ll continue to engage major stakeholders and continue to clarify issues that are a bit concerning and clarify according to the law and every stakeholder has a reason to ask questions.
“This is new. I always say harmonisation is a marathon, so there will be challenges along the way but with determination and integrity that we have shown around the process there is honesty. So, any body that has concerns, the channels for clarifying these concerns are always open and the service does not know it all so we are also open to guidance and clarification as well,” he said.
Abdullahi also commended the chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr. Abdullahi Sabo, for his determination and steadfastness in supporting the harmonisation process.
Sabo, in his remarks, affirmed the Council’s confidence in the capacity of the FCT-IRS to handle revenue collection on their behalf.
He said the Council had tasked the FCT-IRS with improving and standardising their existing data; “therefore, all levy and revenue collections in Kuje Area Council would transit to an automated, cashless system.”
