By Juliet Ezeh
The race toward the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory is beginning to reshape fiscal policy in Abuja, as the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service unveils sweeping reforms aimed at consolidating tax systems and accelerating infrastructure funding.
Chairman of the agency, Micheal Ango, disclosed that revenue collections in the first few months of the year rose to nearly five times what was realised in the same period last year, a development he described as evidence that ongoing reforms are gaining traction.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Abuja, Ango framed the revenue surge not merely as a fiscal milestone but as a foundation for long-term urban transformation. According to him, the objective goes beyond increasing collections to building a transparent and coordinated system that eliminates duplication and improves service delivery.
Central to the reform agenda is the harmonisation of revenue administration across the territory. Ango clarified that the initiative is not designed to override the constitutional responsibilities of area councils or other revenue authorities. Instead, it seeks to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies and ensure that taxes are properly allocated without overlapping demands on residents and businesses.
For years, complaints about multiple taxation and unclear levies have shaped public perception of revenue collection within the capital. The new framework, the chairman said, will address those concerns by placing coordination at the centre of administration while preserving the statutory roles of existing institutions.
The renewed revenue drive is closely tied to Abuja’s golden jubilee in February 2026. Established in 1976 as Nigeria’s purpose-built capital, the FCT will mark five decades of existence next year. Officials say the anniversary provides both a symbolic and practical deadline for delivering visible infrastructure upgrades.
Ango stressed that improved tax compliance is critical to financing roads, hospitals, schools, bridges and other public assets that define a functional capital city. He argued that stronger internally generated revenue would reduce the pressure on individuals and private entities that often shoulder the burden of providing essential services.
The chairman also credited the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, with accelerating infrastructure projects over the past three years, noting that consistent funding remains key to sustaining that momentum.
On pending tax reform legislation affecting the territory, Ango acknowledged that timelines depend on the legislative process, expressing optimism that necessary legal frameworks would be enacted to reinforce the new system.
With revenue collections rising sharply and administrative reforms underway, Abuja’s fiscal managers are positioning the capital for a more coordinated tax regime one they say will support both infrastructure expansion and a smoother experience for taxpayers as the city approaches its 50-year milestone.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.