By Austin Ogwuda,
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State says the State is doing marvellously well in tax collection, noting that “out of the estimated N95 billion IGR in the 2023 fiscal year, N58.56b has been generated as at the end of June”.
The governor who disclosed this while inaugurating the newly constituted State Board of Internal Revenue Service has therefore charged the new Board to maintain the tempo.
His words “this (N58 billion) is more than half the projected revenue. With the current trend, I expect you to exceed the target for the year. That is one way to justify the confidence that has been reposed in you with this appointment.
“Often, when new taxes are introduced, it is imposed on the same people and businesses already captured in the tax net, which often leads to over taxation and the attendant frustration, anger, and resentment.
“What is required is to expand the tax net in such a manner that the informal sector would be adequately covered.
“It is therefore, incumbent on the Board to devise creative ways to drag as many people as possible from the informal sector into the tax net.
“To do this successfully, it is exigent for the Board to embark on elaborate and sustained enlightenment and awareness campaigns.
“Our people need to know and understand the importance of paying tax. Paying taxes is not just a civic responsibility, it is constitutionally binding on every Nigerian as enshrined in Section 24 (f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as altered)”.
“Our people are generally understanding and cooperative; I believe once they are made to see reason, they would gladly and willingly comply with their obligations to the Government.
“Proper monitoring and evaluation are also critical for the Board to achieve its goals by ensuring that revenue collection officers and agents are strictly monitored to plug leakages and curb misappropriation.
“I wish to reassure Deltans that this administration will account for every kobo that accrues to it by ensuring that they are well spent on meaningful development projects that will positively impact on the living conditions of our people,” Oborevwori further stated.
Responding, the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy to serve, assuring that they would work assiduously to deliver on set targets.
