The Edo State Internal Revenue Service and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council have signed a memorandum of understanding with a view to strengthening and enhancing the revenue collection of the council.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the corporate headquarters of the EIRS, New Lagos Road Benin City, the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Itohan Osahon-Ogbeide said the MoU became imperative because of the difficulties the council was encountering in the revenue collection process especially amongst the tipper drivers.
Hon. Ogbeide stated that the council was having difficulties in collecting revenue as constitutionally demanded from the tipper drivers as they no longer report at their usual parks.
“We are here on a project that we have been trying to event, and we have been having a lot of difficulties until luckily enough, the Executive Chairman (Chief Elamah) who has been interested in seeing the local government grow in terms of revenue, choose to assist us in the difficulty we are having by making collections from tipper drivers”. Stated Hon. Osahon-Ogbeide.
She said the council has resolved to shift its revenue drive to the tipper drivers’ new base, but faced with challenges getting started, hence the need to collaborate with the EIRS with a view to enforcing revenue drive amongst tipper drivers.
The council boss hinted that the allocation from the federal account was dwindling as it was never enough to pay workers salary and execute projects that would impact meaningfully on the lives of the people hence the council intends to expand its revenue base.
On his part, the Executive Chairman, EIRS, Chief Oseni Elamah corroborated the council boss’ remark on the dwindling allocation from the Federation account, expressing the EIRS’ commitment to collaborate with the council towards enhancing its revenue base.
While noting that the initiative has further demonstrated the confidence in the revenue system of Edo State, Chief Elamah said the EIRS was focusing on helping the council to build a tax friendly environment.
He said “If we believe that the customers (tax payers) are the kings, then there is need to minimize the hardship and stress the people will have to pass through in the course of fulfilling their responsibility of paying their taxes”.
He disclosed that the Revenue Administration Law requires the EIRS to collaborate with and help build capacity for the local government in their drive to collecting revenue. This he said will further help consolidate the partnership of the Joint Revenue Committee of the state.
Speaking further, Chief Elamah emphasized that a vital ingredient needed in the collection of revenue is not only an academic qualification but the character of individuals who must be committed, dedicated and have integrity to deliver quality service especially in the collection process which must be transparent to both parties
Chief Elamah praised the efforts of the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, whom he said “has made the collection process easier by showing clear evidence of how tax payers’ money is being put to work in Edo and in providing the political leadership and courage in ensuring that tax policies and laws are enforced for the betterment of the society”.
The EIRS boss expressed optimism that the MoU initiative will be seen by other aspiring local government across the nation as a flagship project, just as he assured that the Revenue Service would work closely with the council with the purpose of creating the enabling environment