Mr Adesola Olusade, Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said on Monday that the harmonisation and digitisation of revenue collection would enhance revenue collection in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Olusade said this in a keynote address during a one-day town hall meeting on revenue harmonisation in Abuja, with the theme, “Harmonisation Drive: Shaping Our Future Together”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised by the FCT-Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).
The permanent secretary said that by adopting modern technology, digital platforms, and efficient processes, the FCT would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of revenue collection.
This, according to him, will not only improve service delivery but also contribute to the ease of doing business, thereby making FCT an attractive destination for local and foreign investors.
“It will lead to increased revenue generation, which in turn will provide the necessary resources to invest in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and infrastructure development.
“This will directly impact the lives of residents, improving access to quality healthcare, enhancing educational facilities, and ensuring a well-planned and sustainable urban environment,” Olusade said.
He said that streamlining and optimising revenue collection processes would enhance transparency and accountability in revenue collection, and ensure that funds were efficiently utilised for the benefit of FCT residents.
He added that the harmonisation would also eliminate duplication, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors.
According to him, consolidating revenue collection systems will promote fairness and equity in revenue collection, attract more investment, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
“This will enhance the FCT’s reputation as an investment-friendly destination, contributing to the overall development of the region.
“By ensuring that all eligible individuals and businesses contribute their fair share, we can distribute the burden of taxation more equitably and reduce the tax evasion that hampers revenue generation.
“The move will enable us to provide essential services, infrastructure, and social amenities that improve the quality of life for all residents of the FCT.”
The permanent secretary, however, said that the success of the harmonisation drive would largely depend on the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders.
He commended stakeholders for their efforts, dedication and contributions, saying “together, we can create a harmonised revenue collection system that benefits all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
“By working collaboratively and leveraging our collective strengths, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and pave the way for a prosperous future,” he added.
Also, the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Alhaji Muhammad Mani, commended the FCT-IRS for making technology a pivotal point of its operational policy.
Mani noted that the digital revolution was transforming tax administration globally, stressing the need for the revenue hamornisation drive to leverage on technology to achieve more results.
According to him, the adoption of digital platforms in revenue collection in the FCT holds the greatest prospects of streamlining operational cost, blocking revenue leakages and ensures accurate revenue data.
The Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, said that the harmonisation drive was not just about increasing revenue but also about building a system that works for all.
Abdullahi said that FCT-IRS Act entrusts the service with the duty to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and agencies in harmonising and improving tax practices.
“This is aimed at optimising our revenue generation efforts, while ensuring simplicity, transparency, and accountability in tax systems.
“Harmonising our revenue collection systems will 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,” he said.
