By Austin Ogwuda
DELTA State government says it is expanding the tax net to adequately cover the informal sector and has sought the assistance of the media in realising that goal.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije while playing host to the Executives and members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ on a courtesy visit today (Thursday).
According to him, “we are eager to also improve on the IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) of the State. That is why we are pushing a little bit.
Though we know that our our tax network is not what it should be. So we are also trying to expand.
“We have not even touched the informal and we will do that in the next few months. We will be needing your assistance as journalists to help is drive the informal sector.
We know that the informal sector is key to the economy of the State because of its turnover”, he stated.
The Commissioner however stated that given the recent Federal Government Cyber Security levy on electronic banking, rising petrol pump price among other challenges, the State was was doing all it could to reduce the burden of tax on the people of the State.
“Those days, you use to see so many bills in the State, but now we have consolidated, so we send out only one bill”.
On increase in the FAAC to States and local governments, the Finance Commissioner said it was just a huge chunk of money with little value given the inflationary trend in the country.
“Thank God that FAAC receipt is improving by the day, but improving by the day is not absolutely rewarding compared to what we are getting in terms of value for the money.
“So when the Federal Government says States are carting away with so much money now, it is not correct because there are some roads that we awarded in the past.
“We are even reviewing the cost now. If the contracts are not reviewed, the projects will be abandoned by the contractors”, he added.
Earlier, the Chairman, Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye said that the visit was to felicitate with the Commissioner on his re-appointment as Commissioner for Finance.
“We admit that you excelled in your profession as a Banker, and now a politician. Your antecedent speaks volume, a financial guru, a philanthropist, who has touched lives in many ways.
“We also want to use this opportunity to strengthen our ties in partnership to deepen development of our dear state in line with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori
“Your office remains the engine room that ensures actualisation of projects and programmes through prompt releases which we have seen particularly in the over N78 billion Warri/Effurnun flyover bridges and roads redesigning/expansion project awarded Julius Berger construction company among others projects”, he added.
*Photo caption : Commissioner Tilije (4th from right) in a group photograph with the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership during the visit.
On his immediate right is the Chairman, Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye
