FCT Revenue Service will end multiple taxation — Minister

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, says the FCT Inland Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), will end the regime of multiple taxation in the territory.

Bello said this when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), who paid him a working visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

“One of the quick wins expected from the reconstituted FCT-IRS, will be the elimination of multiple taxation in the Territory and harmonization of all taxes payable to government.

“The issue of multiple taxation has been of great concern to various business entities in the FCT, including NECA.

“Eliminating the menace will enhance the ease of doing business in the FCT,’’ he said.

Bello expressed optimism that the initiative by the administration to create a one-stop window for all taxes, would key into the Federal Government’s programme of improving the position of Nigeria on World Bank “Ease of Doing Business Index”.

“While we partner with the Chambers of Commerce, Manufacturers Association, and other stakeholders, we will also include you in the team that is working on this harmonization,” he said.

The minister commended the group for their contributions toward the making of Abuja, saying the “History of Abuja cannot be complete without acknowledging the efforts of all your members.”

Earlier, the leader of the Northern Group of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Alhaji Mahmud Othman, said NECA is the umbrella body of all employers of labour in country.

He said the group has been in existence for over 60 years since it was founded.

Othman commended the minister for the progress which FCT has been recording since his assumption of office, urging him to keep up the good works.

He expressed concern over the multiplicity of vehicular stickers being produced by the different Area Councils in the Territory, which he said has entailed a lot of inconvenience for the association’s members.

The leader of the group, appealed to the minister to ensure that these taxes are harmonized since the FCT is one Territory.