From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Executive Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Mallam Salihu Enehe has called on the people of the State to declare their income and embrace prompt payment of their tax to enable government provide the needed infrastructural development that would improve quality of life.
Mallam Enehe made the call in Lokoja on Wednesday, while speaking on the activities of KGIRS particularly on voluntary tax compliance.
According to him, when tax payers willingly comply, declared their income and pay their tax promptly, it would enable government to fulfil it’s obligations of providing social amenities and adequate security of life and property.
He described voluntary tax compliance as the backbone of a successful tax system that shows citizens commitment to the well-being of their state.
The Chairman assured that KGIRS would continue to sensitize the stakeholders, market men and women, formal and informal business owners , employers of labour and the, populace across the 21 local government areas of Kogi state on the need for them to perform their constitutional responsibility.
“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 had 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” he appealed.
The Chairman also used the medium to warn illegal revenue collectors to desist, stressed that whoever is caught engaging on such criminal act in any name would face the full wrath of the law.
“We will not relent in our effort 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 stated.
