By Gift Samuel, The Sight News
Abuja-The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello has on Thursday disclosed that plans are ongoing to inaugurate the FCT Internal Revenue Services to harmonize collection of taxes.
The Minister who made the disclosure at the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Abuja Branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN), stressed that the act will help to regulate revenue collection so as to ensure ease of doing business especially for Manufacturers.
According to him; “In the FCT by the grace of God next week, we are inaugurating the new FCT Internal Revenue Service. It is something we have never had in the FCT, taxes in the FCT were collected on our behave by the Federal Revenue Service but now we have an Act of Parliament that clearly stipulates what we are supposed to do”.
He also assured the Association that in no distant time the MAN House Abuja will become functional, as he urged members to pay their dues and participate in MAN activities.
The Minister also tasked the members to give accurate and factual data whenever it is requested, adding that even if operations are minimal, the members should also state that in their reports in order to help government make informed policies.
In his remarks,President Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN) Dr.Frank Jacobs pleaded with the FCT Minister to fast-track the allocation of land which he had earlier promised the Association for the building of MAN House in Abuja.
While recognising the important roles played by the FCT in the development of the economy, particularly the manufacturing sector in the Branch especially the rehabilitation of roads in the industrial Estate in new Iddu, he appealed to the Minister to consider the other industrial estates in the rehabilitation programme.
He further solicited the assistance of the manufacturers in the FCT whenever challenges arises, adding that the sector is best placed for social regeneration in terms of employment creation and reduction in human misery of poverty.
He said; “I am aware that the challenges are so numerous but I want to assure you that we would not relent to continue to fight your cause for a better business environment. We expect you on your part to continue to support the Association in order to achieve the desired results”.
Also, the Branch Chairman, Dr. Mrs Waslat Shittu-Titilola urged members of the Association to keep believing in Nigeria and put passion in their businesses despite the numerous challenges facing the sector.
She encouraged the members to keep up the good work, bearing in mind that difficult moments will not always remain.
The MAN Abuja Branch 4th Annual General Meeting with the theme “The Role of Government in Developing Industrial Raw Materials to Boost Manufacturing Productivity in Nigeria”, also had in attendance members from Nasarawa and Niger State Branches.
