By PHILOMINA ATTAH

Mr. Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has urged residents to report any council official demanding cash or directing payments into private accounts.

Maikalangu also warned against impostors posing as revenue officials, announcing a full transition to automated tax collection from Jan. 1, 2026.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, he said the era of manual processes and revenue leakages was over.

According to him, AMAC is committed to building a transparent and accountable revenue system for the benefit of residents.

“Join the journey toward a more transparent and accountable AMAC. Make your payments through Smart Tax and support community development,” he said.

A journalist recounted an interrogation where a suspect admitted receiving forged revenue kits from an “Oga” with no official links to the council.

“Some even wear AMAC uniforms and cards without Revenue Office signatures. They printed shirts at UTC to collect money,” the journalist added.

Responding, Maikalangu linked illegal task forces to a recent fatal accident, saying it prompted a crackdown on all unauthorised enforcement teams.

He declared that all revenue payments must be made through the official portal, smarttax.ng, with immediate effect.

The chairman warned business owners that paying cash or private accounts was at their own risk.

“Ask anyone who stops you for the AMAC Smart Tax. If they cannot provide it, walk away or report to the police,” he said.

Maikalangu warned residents to ignore any demand notice issued before 2026, stressing that such payments would be invalid.

“If you pay them, you will pay twice. This system must work,” he said.

Addressing concerns about market women, he said payments could be made at banks or through POS operators using Smart Tax details.

“AMAC is not a village. There is network everywhere,” he added.

He said the council would no longer tolerate defaulters, warning of sealed premises, mobile courts, and possible detention at Kuje correctional centre.

“You must pay or we lock your premises. The media will witness enforcement,” Maikalangu said. (NAN)