The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been urged to take steps to prevent multiple taxation on small-scale traders in Abuja.
The call was made by Hon. Obika Chinedu, the Member representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, during the launch of Dreamskin Luxe Empire, an entrepreneurial center, in Abuja on Friday.
The event, which coincided with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, provided a platform for discussions on the impact of taxation on businesses in the FCT.
Hon. Chinedu emphasized that excessive taxation discourages entrepreneurship and economic growth in the FCT’s area councils.
He urged the Minister to introduce tax incentives that would support businesses, arguing that a more business-friendly tax system would reduce the financial burden on traders and prevent business closures.
“This is because, when businesses are closed, the people that are engaged in them will fall back to the streets, and an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he warned.
He further appealed to local authorities to adopt tax policies that encourage business sustainability.
“I am appealing to the Area Council Chairmen who represent AMAC and Bwari Area Councils to look into the way and the model they are using to tax businesses in Abuja,” he said.
“Businesses like this that have sprung up should be encouraged. Instead of taxing them more, you should give them tax incentives to encourage them to employ more people or create more businesses.
“This will help to reduce unemployment. So we should be talking to them to make sure that they don’t double tax these small young businesses that are springing up.”
Also contributing to the discussion, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency, emphasized that the proposed Tax Reform Bills, once passed into law, would provide strong support for small businesses.
“These reforms will ensure that more of the tax pressure is moved to big businesses and big people who are using lots of goods and so on and so forth, while limiting the impact on small businesses,” he explained.
Similarly, Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife, representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, advocated for stronger public-private partnerships to address unemployment. She stressed that youth empowerment is essential in tackling restiveness and promoting self-sufficiency.
“When you empower somebody, you’re giving the person the go-ahead to explore, to explode, and to be self-sufficient,” she stated.
During the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Dreamskin Luxe Empire, Mrs. Nancy Irole, described the launch of the spa as “a dream come true.”
“Dreamskin Luxe Empire isn’t just a spa or a beauty lounge. It’s a place designed for Nigerians to check their wellness as they go about their normal businesses.
“A space where beauty, wellness, and self-care come together to create an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident, and completely at ease,” she added.
Hon. Mohamed Jamilu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, also weighed in, stressing the role of the private sector in job creation.
“Only government cannot provide the needed jobs for the teeming youth,” he said, calling for greater collaboration between private sector players and the government to address unemployment, youth empowerment, and social challenges like insecurity.
