By Austin Ogwuda
A financial guru, Dr. Doris Ochei says that Delta State is capable of overtaking Lagos State in generating quantum revenue if the tax machinery is retooled given the available favourable parameters at its disposal.
She said that Delta State is not alone in the laziness of total dependency on Federal allocations.
Dr. Ochei who parades intimidating academic and professional credentials stated this as a Guest Speaker at the 2023 Convention and & Lecture organised by Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) held at Golden Tulip Hotel Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
According to her, “Delta like other States in Nigeria, has a low tax capacity and lower tax revenue to GDP ratio largely because of inefficiencies in tax policy and revenue collection.
“More than 75% of Delta State’s annual revenue has always come from Federal allocation. The State (Delta) has been too over-dependent on federal allocation, when there is a huge potential to generate more revenue internally.
“Part of what is required is a robust policy diligently implemented. Taxes on income, profits and capital gains could for example be slightly reduced to increase total investment.
“There is abundance of revenue sources at the disposal of Delta State because the taxes collectable by Delta State are enormous”, she stated.
Ochei was speaking on the theme: ‘Fiscal Policy And Taxation: Balancing Revenue Generation and Economic Growth’.
Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli in his address said “as a media organization, the Delta Online Publishers Forum plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and awareness.
We understand that matters concerning fiscal policy and taxation transcend the realm of policy makers: they profoundly resonates with society”.
The colorful occasion was chaired by the Secretary, Uvwie Chieftaincy Council, Chief Dr Samuel Eshenake.