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Abuja council battles corruption in tax, revenue collection
The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, says it is battling against unscrupulous individuals hiding under its cover to extort money from businesses and residents under the guise of tax collection.
The Chief Revenue Officer of AMAC, Hon. Danlami Awaje disclosed this while responding to allegations first published by the International Center for investigative Reporting, ICIR, that the activities of some of the council officials are having negative impacts on businesses in Abuja.
He was speaking on PUBLIC CONSCIENCE on RADIO, the anti-corruption radio program produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Awaje, who alluded that the tales of taxation fraud in AMAC has been a recurring issue, however, revealed that AMAC has set up task force team moving round to fish out individuals who pose as AMAC officials to defraud the unsuspecting Abuja business owners and residents through taxes and levies.
His words: “AMAC has set up a taskforce that is moving around, checking and looking out for individuals who are not AMAC staff but are extorting and collecting revenue from business owners and residents.
“Following outcry from the public, the council also disbanded a group setup to bring sanity on the roads but were now harassing and extorting money from car owners on the road.”
Awaje warned that AMAC does not give out personal bank account numbers when collecting taxes but uses government approved platform ‘REMITA’ in order to promote accountability.
He stressed that: “AMAC’s revenue officers who go out to collect revenues undergo training and retraining from time to time, we have REMITA platform where we ask all our taxpayers to pay into, generate RRR, pay through REMITA, come with the evidence of payment and obtain official receipt from our office.”
He revealed that AMAC is mandated by the constitution to collect no fewer than 21 different taxes from business owners in Abuja annually, while urging tax payers in Abuja to be conscious of who approaches them to collect taxes.
On her part, an Abuja-based food vendor identified as Chef Nneka whose business has been affected by the arbitrary taxes decried the lack of impact in the form of infrastructure despite the numerous taxes collected by the AMAC administration.
“I pay my own taxes in January because if you don’t pay they will keep harassing you until you pay, but they (AMAC) are not doing anything for us.
“In a year, I pay for bikes, health, environment, business premises, outdoor signage, radio and television licenses and it goes on and on. And just yesterday I was served another paper to pay three hundred thousand naira for gas emission,” She lamented.
Earlier, senior lecturer of Law, Base University, Dr. Sam Amadi explained that people living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) risk paying multiple taxes because most of the taxes that apply for federal workers also apply for people working under FCT.
Dr. Sam Amadi cautioned that FCT is going to have problems dealing with navigating between federal taxation and that of the councils.
“Now think in terms of Julius Berger you will be shocked that maybe it might not be paying anything to the area council but might be paying directly to the federal government and because there is no capacity to compel them the council will leave them and go to the small or micro enterprises and overtax them”, He said
Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program used by PRIMORG to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
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2027 BENUE GUBER: MORE TROUBLE FOR GOV ALIA
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
News
ENGR. BELLO BABAYO BELLO FELICITATES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA ON RENOMINATION
Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his renomination as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his message, Engr. Bello described the renomination as a beautiful affirmation of the Vice President’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Senator Shettima, himself a former Senator of the Federal Republic, has consistently embodied resilience, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that continue to inspire confidence across the nation.
“This renomination is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people,” Engr. Bello stated. “It reflects the trust of the party and the citizens in your ability to guide our country toward greater progress, peace, and prosperity. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, and this endorsement is richly deserved.”
Engr. Bello further emphasized that Senator Shettima’s political journey has been marked by courage and service. From his tenure as Governor of Borno State to his current role as Vice President, he has consistently championed initiatives that address national challenges, foster economic growth, and promote inclusive development.
As a leader in the power sector, Engr. Bello highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving infrastructure and energy reforms. He expressed confidence that Senator Shettima’s continued role in government will further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver reliable power, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Vice President wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the nation with distinction. “May Allah bless your efforts, guide your decisions, and grant you success as you carry forward the responsibility of leadership,” he added.
The message concluded with a reaffirmation of goodwill and support: “Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We look forward to your continued contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
Signed:Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSEExecutive Director (Networks)Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)
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What MKA Will Do Differently
- Open rural roads to allow faster and deeper security response, while also improving the movement of agricultural products. The current government has focused on cosmetic projects that do not reflect the current challenges and realities of the state. The rural areas are the most hard hit by this terror and my government will focus on providing a targeted and holistic responses .
- To ensure deterrence, I will set up a committee of experienced legal minds to monitor and follow up the prosecution of criminals arrested by the police. I will also work with the State Assembly to further strengthen our anti-crime laws.
- Improve security intelligence by deepening collaboration with the clergy, traditional rulers, neighbouring states, and security agencies. I will also improve surveillance by building a command centre capable of 24-hour remote monitoring of critical and volatile areas of the state. The current government of Abia State under Alex Otti has delivered one such project with great results.
- Payment of salaries should not be a yardstick for measuring good governance. Salaries are simply workers’ entitlements for services rendered. To promote transparency, I will publish a public salary website showing the monthly status of salary payments.
- I will set up a committee tasked with ensuring Benue youths are fairly represented in federal government job recruitment exercises.
- In the area of sports, I will build astroturf football pitches across the state to encourage youth participation in sports. Additionally entrepreneurs will receive grants and low interest loans to grow.
- Agriculture is a business, and our farmers will be equipped with the training and infrastructure needed to carry out commercial farming. I will deploy my experience of running a rice factory over the last 10 years to transform agriculture into a profitable enterprise.
- Global cities are also entertaining cities. Benue has a large pool of talented entertainers, and I will set up an Entertainment Advisory Board to promote talent and grow the entertainment industry in the state.
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