The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has announced a sweeping reform of its revenue collection system, mandating a full transition to automated payments and banning all cash transactions effective from January 1, 2026.
AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, unveiled the policy on Tuesday in Abuja, describing it as a decisive move to eliminate revenue leakages, foster transparency, and boost funds for public services.
End of an Era, Start of Automation
“For too long, our revenue system has been undermined by manual processes that created loopholes. By the grace of God, that era ends today,” Maikalangu declared at a press conference.
Under the new policy, all payments due to the council—including taxes, levies, and fees—must be processed exclusively through the official AMAC Smart Tax platform (amactax.ng/payment). All funds will flow directly into a central council Single Account.
“We are eliminating cash payments completely. No official is authorised to collect cash. Every naira paid will go straight into the council’s single account,” the chairman stated.
Strict Enforcement and Public Warning
To ensure compliance, Maikalangu announced the inauguration of a Special Tribunal Monitoring Task Force in early 2026. The task force, supported by environmental cadets and enforcement officers, will monitor compliance across business districts and communities.
“Any individual or business that attempts to bypass this automated system will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he warned.
He explicitly cautioned residents against fraudulent collectors: “If anyone asks you to pay cash or into a private bank account, report it immediately. Any account outside AMAC Smart Tax is fake.”
Addressing a Multi-Billion Naira Gap
The chairman revealed that despite generating over ₦5 billion from January to date, AMAC’s revenue falls far short of its potential, given its jurisdiction over high-value areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Gwarinpa, Nyanya, and the Abuja airport axis.
“With the number of hotels, banks and estates in AMAC, there should be no excuse for revenue shortfalls. That is why we are taking these tough decisions to end leakages,” Maikalangu explained.
He warned that defaulting businesses, including hotels, risk being sealed by mobile courts and publicly named and shamed.
Transition Guidelines for Taxpayers
The council has outlined clear procedures for the transition:
· Primary Method: Payments must be made via the AMAC Smart Tax mobile app or website (amacsmarttax.ng) to generate instant electronic receipts.
· For Market Traders: Special provision is made for traders without smartphones, who can pay directly into the designated AMAC account at any Zenith Bank branch.
· Key Instruction: Residents are warned not to honour any demand notices issued before 2026. “Do not pay any demand notice issued before January 2026. Wait for the official council notice… If you pay elsewhere, you will pay twice,” the chairman cautioned.
A “Non-Negotiable” Reform for Development
Maikalangu framed the automation as critical for funding essential services. “This system must work, and it will work. We are determined to build a transparent, accountable revenue system and leave a lasting legacy for our people,” he said.
He called on all residents and business owners within AMAC to support the initiative, promising a seamless payment process and greater accountability in the council’s use of public funds from January 2026.
