The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Wednesday said residents conniving with fake revenue collectors to defraud the council would soon be sniffed out from their hide outs and made to face the law.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, Maikalangu said his government has adopted a very severe measure to curb the excesses of the tax evaders.
He said: “You may recall that we invited you here Tuesday, 20th February, 2024 for a press conference on revenue matters and to reawaken the consciousness of taxpayers within council.
“After the campaign, some residents complied by paying their taxes and levies into the designated account, while some others connived with fake revenue collectors to defraud the council. It is very unfortunate, but I want to assure them that our revenue task force will sniff them out from their hideouts.
“Government at all levels works better when internally generated revenue is paid by citizens, especially when payments are made and collected without any hassles. As a responsible government, it is our duty to inform our residents that tax evasion is a serious offense and a crime that deprives the council of much-needed revenue that could be used to provide basic amenities and infrastructure in our communities.
“On the issue of tenement rates, I want to advise those that have not paid their bill since 2021 till date to go and pay to avoid legal action. I want to inform those that paid into a wrong account or paid to your accomplices, or paid cash, it is assumed that you have not paid at all and you will pay twice.”
