The FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, has reiterated the need for residents to comply with tax payments or face penalties.

Mr Bello said this at a town hall meeting organised by the FCT Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Abuja.

“I want to use this opportunity to send a note of warning to tax evaders to desist from the act. Not only are their actions morally wrong as they ride on the sweat of others, but their actions also amount to serious criminal offences for which they can face severe penalties if convicted,” stated the minister.

The minister said the recent issuance of the Information Circular No 002 on demand, verification and comprehensive review of TCC in the FCT had elicited public interest.

He said prompt and accurate tax payments would go a long way in making FCT one of the best cities in the world.

According to him, there is a need to improve the FCT’s revenue base to provide the territory with world-class infrastructure.

“The FCT administration has the mandate to build for our nation a capital territory that is comparable to the best in the world,” Mr Bello explained. “For over four decades, we have delivered on this mandate as Abuja has turned out to be a very beautiful city, as testified to on several occasions by visitors to the city.”

On revenue generation, the minister commended the FCT-IRS and residents for ensuring that the FCT became the second highest internally generating sub-national in the country.

“We have the potential of being number one with a little more effort and commitment from all of us. It is only with this show of commitment that we can truly build the FCT of our collective dream,” added the minister.

(NAN)