The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has initiated a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to enhance tax compliance and increase revenue generation within the FCT. This collaboration seeks to leverage the expertise and data-sharing capabilities of both organizations to create a more efficient and transparent tax administration system.
The acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, made this call during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar, on Tuesday in Abuja. Ango highlighted NFIU as a critical stakeholder in the FCT-IRS’ efforts to improve tax compliance, emphasizing the need to strengthen their existing collaboration for the mutual benefit of both organizations.
Ango explained that the visit was part of the FCT-IRS’ ongoing engagements with key stakeholders to foster cooperation and support for its initiatives. He noted that the overarching goal of the collaboration is to enhance revenue collection mechanisms and tax administration processes within the Federal Capital Territory.
“The NFIU plays a pivotal role in our strategic objectives,” Ango remarked. “By coming together to share data, information, and insights, we will significantly improve our operations and achieve better results. Strengthening this partnership will enable us to address tax compliance challenges more effectively.”
The acting chairman also acknowledged the long-standing relationship between FCT-IRS and NFIU, noting that the enhanced collaboration would lead to more robust outcomes, particularly in terms of identifying and curbing tax evasion, which remains a major obstacle to revenue growth in the FCT.
In her response, NFIU Chief Executive Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar expressed her confidence in Mr. Ango’s leadership and vision for the FCT-IRS. She praised his background in law and taxation, noting that these skills would be instrumental in driving forward the objectives of both organizations. Abubakar also reiterated NFIU’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with FCT-IRS to bolster revenue generation efforts.
She underscored the significance of addressing tax crimes such as evasion, pointing out that they deprive the government of much-needed resources for infrastructure and development projects. “Tax evasion is a serious offense, and we are committed to working with FCT-IRS to combat it,” she stated.
Abubakar highlighted that FCT-IRS has been one of NFIU’s most effective partners in tackling tax-related financial crimes. “The relationship we have built with your office is groundbreaking. It serves as a model for our collaborations with other state revenue services, and we are now working with about 24 other state tax authorities across the country,” she said.
The NFIU boss further noted that the agency’s collaboration with FCT-IRS had contributed significantly to domestic revenue mobilization efforts across the federation. By identifying tax crimes and sharing intelligence, the partnership is expected to lead to greater compliance and a more efficient tax system in the FCT.
