The acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe has declared
that payment of taxes is not a punitive measure, but rather part of citizens obligation to enable government embark on provision of social services and infrastructural development for the overall benefit of the citizenry.
Ugwuada-Ezirigwe noted that as a proactive Agency, public enlightenment has kicked off on the need for full compliance by residents and business owners on the recent Ministerial directive mandating all MDAs, Federal Capital Capital Administration (FCTA) SDAs and Commercial Banks to demand for requisite Tax Clearance Certificate(TCC) from any person, business or enterprise for the last three years preceding the current year of assessment, as a precondition for transacting any business or access to public service provision in the FCT, in line with section 31 of the FCT-IRS Act.
A statement by Public Relations Officer (PRO), of the Agency, Tony Odey, said some of the policy directions and actions of the Minister are already transforming the nation’s capital city, as the streets of Abuja are once again wearing new look, as a result of the Minister’s pragmatic leadership style.
Commending FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike for steps taken so far since he assumed duties as the 17th Minister of FCT, the AEA boss assured him of the unalloyed support and commitment of all staff of the agency towards the actualization of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.
Furthermore, he explained that since its creation in 2006, the Agency has disbursed several Start-up Packs to entrepreneurs who have shown the capacity to deliver on their businesses as well as Residents with bankable business ideas, but lack the requisite capital to set up their businesses, equipped unemployed youths with ICT skills and other skills organized trainings for retiring staff of FCTA and other establishments.
He added that the agency in line with its One Village Product Initiative developed and upgraded in a sustainable and professional manner, certain agricultural products found to have comparative advantage scale among the six Area Councils of FCT for both subsistence and commercial purposes.
On the achievements of the Agency over the years, he disclosed that the Agency has developed a range of programmes and activities covering entrepreneurship training and curriculum development, business advisory for its numerous clients.
According to him, as an Agency of Government saddled with the responsibility of wealth creation and employment generation, emphasized is usually placed on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) as well as assisting new and existing entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles to business growth, through access to finance, proper business planning and providing training on matters of entrepreneurial development.
He also revealed that over the years, the agency has developed a strong and rewarding partnership with a number of Industry Stakeholders, relevant government organisations, financial Institutions, International development partners and successful creative practitioners to deliver required services to its clients satisfactorily.
The acting CEO of Abuja Enterprise Agency, disclosed that the Agency is poised to continue the delivery of professional entrepreneurship development services to Residents of the FCT towards the resolve of the FCT Administration to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
