***Urges declaration of income, prompt payment of tax
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
EXECUTIVE Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Mallam Salihu Enehe has called on eligible tax payers in the state to voluntarily declare their incomes and pay their tax to enable government provide necessary facilities.
Enehe made the call while speaking on the activities of KGIRS, particularly, on Voluntary Tax Compliance in the state on Wednesday in Lokoja.
He said prompt payment of tax enables government to provide the needed infrastructural development and facilities that improve quality of life of the people.
According to him, when tax payers willingly comply, declared their income and pay their tax promptly, government would be enabled to fulfil its obligations of providing social amenities and adequate security of life and property.
Enehe described Voluntary Tax Compliance as the backbone of a successful tax system which shows citizens commitment to the well-being of their state.
The Executive Chairman assured that KGIRS would continue to sensitize stakeholders, market men and women, formal and informal business owners , employers of labour and the populace.
The sensitization drive, he said, would cover the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi state as he urged citizens on the need for them to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
He said, “Prompt payment of taxes promotes a sense of civic responsibility and patriotism. When we contribute to the system, we are investing in our collective future.
“Our dynamic Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is very resolute in providing dividend of democracy to the people of the State.
“Recently he flagged off road constructions across the three senatorial district. Since he came on board as the Chief Executive of the state, he has invested heavily in education and health sectors.
“…By paying bursary award, WAEC, JAMB, BECE fees for students and pupils of primary schools in the state. All of these among others can only be achieved continually if the people are paying their tax promptly and as at when due.
“We should support this government so that it can help us in providing our needs.”
The Executive Chairman also used the occasion to warn illegal revenue collectors to desist, stressing that whoever is caught engaging in such criminal act under any guise and in whatever name, would face the full wrath of the law.
“We will not relent in our efforts to continue reminding illegal revenue collectors in the state to change. It is an offence against the state to collect revenue meant for the government.
“KGIRS is the only constitutionally recognized body saddled with the responsibilities of collecting taxes and revenues on behalf of Kogi state government.
“Whoever is apprehended doing so will be prosecuted according to the law”, he declared. (Ends)