The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has called for a partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen tax compliance and revenue collection in Abuja.
During a visit to EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede on Wednesday, FCT-IRS Acting Executive Chairman Michael Ango emphasised the need for collaboration with anti-graft agencies. He stated that one of the agency’s key initiatives for 2025 is the harmonisation of revenue collection and administration in the FCT, which requires the support of stakeholders.
Ango highlighted that many financial crime suspects under EFCC investigation are also tax defaulters. He suggested integrating tax compliance checks into EFCC’s investigative processes and extending this scrutiny to asset forfeiture cases.
“We want to know the tax status of suspects under investigation or trial. If they evade one accountability channel, they can be caught through another,” he said.
He also praised the EFCC’s efforts in tackling financial crimes and condoled with the commission over the recent loss of an operative.
In response, Olukoyede welcomed the collaboration, noting that the EFCC has similar agreements with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other state tax agencies. He stressed the need for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define the scope of cooperation.
The EFCC chairman commended Ango’s leadership and ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, stating they reflect proper utilisation of taxpayer funds.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
