The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zakka Maikalangu, has cautioned residents conniving with fake revenue collectors to defraud the council that council leadership will soon sniff them out from their hideouts and be made to face the law.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, Maikalangu said his government has adopted severe measures to curb the excesses of these tax evaders and, therefore, urged residents of the area council to pay only to government accounts.
He said that government at all levels works better when internally generated revenue (IGR) is paid by citizens, especially when payments are made and collected without any hassles.
He said, “You may recall that we invited you here on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, for a press conference on revenue matters and to reawaken the consciousness of taxpayers within the council.
“After the campaign, some residents complied by paying their taxes and levies into the designated account, while others connived with fake revenue collectors to defraud the Council. It is very unfortunate, but I want to assure them that our revenue task force will sniff them out from their hideouts.
“Government at all levels works better when internally generated revenue is paid by citizens, especially when payments are made and collected without any hassles. As a responsible government, it is our duty to inform our residents that tax evasion is a serious offence and a crime that deprives the Council of much-needed revenue that could be used to provide basic amenities and infrastructure in our communities.
“Consequently, the council has adopted a very severe measure to curb the excesses of these tax evaders, hence this public awareness campaign. The council will give the residents the opportunity to voluntarily go and pay their levies and taxes that they did not pay from 2021 to date. For those that will try to evade the taxes again, the Council has no other option other than to institute a legal action against any defaulter who refuses to comply with this measure.”
“We wish to solicit more cooperation from all residents within the Council to discharge their civic responsibility by promptly paying their revenue, taxes, and levies to designated AMAC accounts. Let me reemphasize that the general public is advised not to pay cash to any technical partner or their representative to avoid paying illegal revenue collectors.
“I want to inform the revenue fraudsters that their days are numbered and the AMAC Revenue Task Force has been authorised to clamp down on their activities, apprehend them, and prosecute them immediately at the nearest mobile court.
“The general public is advised to confirm properly before entering into any business with them. There is no hiding place for illegality, as our Revenue Task Force will continue to go around and verify all evidence of payment.”
He added, “On the issue of tenement rates, I want to advise those that have not paid their bill since 2021 till date to go and pay to avoid legal action. I want to inform those who paid into the wrong account, paid to your accomplices, or paid cash that it is assumed that you have not paid at all and that you will pay twice.
“I want to assure you that the council is resolute in our commitment to deliver on our campaign promises, but we are not unmindful of the current situation. Together, we shall make AMAC great.”
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