By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Government and the FCT Administration have announced plans to end overlapping taxes in Abuja, setting in motion a unified system for revenue collection across the nation’s capital.
The move was outlined during a stakeholders’ engagement forum themed “Harmonising Revenue Systems and Implementing New Tax Laws,” where management of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, FCT-IRS, and the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS, presented a coordinated roadmap for tax reform.
Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, described the engagement as “timely and strategic,” adding that the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal reforms depends on coordination at subnational levels.
Adedeji who was represented at the event by the Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Mr. Olusegun Philip Adesokan said, “Fragmented revenue systems, multiplicity of taxes, informal collection mechanisms, illegal roadblocks, and indiscriminate sale of stickers and emblems undermine compliance, raise the cost of doing business, and erode public confidence.”
The tax boss advised that the FCT, as the seat of government, must reflect international governance standards through order, transparency, and uniform administration.
According to him, “Modern tax systems are digital. They are data-driven and automated. Integrated databases, electronic payment platforms, and real-time analytics strengthen audits, curb leakages, and promote transparency.”
Adesokan noted that the new harmonisation laws being implemented nationwide provide clarity to taxpayers, reduce informal levies, and relieve small businesses that suffer the most from uncoordinated tax practices.
“Revenue mobilization must be rules-based, must be transparent, and must align with national reform objectives and global best practices,” he said.
While providing insight into the Service’s vision for 2026, the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, said the harmonisation of taxes will help streamline Abuja’s revenue system to eliminate duplication and position the capital city for sustainable development.
“When we talk about harmonisation, we are not trying to take over anyone’s responsibilities. We are saying that we want to create a system that ensures efficiency in revenue collection. We are creating a system where revenue grows as provided by the Constitution, and everyone’s revenue will still be credited appropriately.”
Ango said the FCT’s approaching 50th anniversary in 2026 makes it urgent to stabilise revenue flows to support the city’s infrastructure demands. He praised the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, noting that Abuja has witnessed “significant infrastructural investment” since 2023.
According to him, the role of the FCT-IRS is to guarantee sustainable funding for the city’s roads, hospitals, bridges, schools, and social services.
“If each of us were to provide our own water, schools, clinics or hospitals, we would not achieve much. But if we all contribute as residents of the FCT, we will have infrastructure, social services, and a secure city where we can live and thrive,” he said.
On the Service’s vision for 2026, Ango outlined how Abuja’s revenue future depends on citizen cooperation, technology, and inter-agency alignment saying, “Voluntary compliance, timely registration, filing, and payment, acts as a catalyst for rapid progress. By reducing the governmentʼs administrative and enforcement costs, resources are redirected toward vital projects like road networks and schools. This proactive partnership between citizens and the state ensures faster delivery of public services and modern infrastructure.”
Ango who also spoke to journalists on revenue performance, said contrary to impressions that the FCT is awash with funds, “Revenue is never enough,” revealing that collections in the first months of 2026 were about five times higher than the same period last year.
He confirmed that an initiative led by the FCT Minister is already bringing all stakeholders to the same table to resolve conflicts between the FCT Administration and the Area Councils.
“I can assure you that the issues surrounding multiplicity and overlapping taxes within the FCT will be resolved shortly. The FCT-IRS will be at the centre of driving this initiative for the benefit of all residents,” he said.
