*Wants harmonisation to start with DOAS, AEPB, VIO, others
The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has expressed worry about the planned implementation of the harmonisation of revenue in the FCT by the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) is planning to harmonise revenue collection in Abuja.
Speaking at a panel discussion during a town hall meeting on the harmonization of revenue on Monday in Abuja, Maikalangu lamented that the FCT-IRS did not feature in the panel, but instead left after the acting Executive Secretary had presented his speech.
He said: “I initially didn’t want to talk, but as the Chairman of AMAC and landlord of many agencies, I have to say what is on my mind and what many stakeholders may be thinking. In fact, I align with the position of His Royal Highness, the Onah of Abaji, that FCT-IRS should start the revenue harmonisation with DOAS, AEPC, VIO, Water Board and others.
“I sincerely wonder why the FCT-IRS is not here on this panel. There should be a stakeholders meeting where we will ask questions and get answers. It should not be a rushed thing. What is worth doing is worth doing well. Also, I don’t want to be misunderstood or misquoted as being against revenue harmonisation. I support revenue harmonisation, but things should be done the right way.
“Many have been alleging that I was bought over by the FCTA to support the harmonisation of revenue issues, but that is not true. I didn’t collect a dime from anybody to support the idea. However, I repeat that FCTA should do the right thing with regards to the implementation of the idea.”
Speaking earlier, the Acting Executive Chairman FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi pleaded for the cooperation of the six area councils and stakeholders, saying the harmonization is for the interest of all FCT residents.
It could be recalled that revenue collection has been a major issue between the FCTA and AMAC, often leading to litigations between the two governments entities.
