Kogi
End of honeymoon for illegal tax collectors has come – KGIRS
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
EXECUTIVE Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, has said that the era of illegal tax and revenue collection in the state has come to an end in the state saying, “The Honeymoon is Over.”
Enehe who disclosed this at a Media briefing on Thursday in Lokoja said that the Service had put in place Security Joint Task Force to clamp down on all illegal revenue points and collectors in the state.
He described the prevalence of illegal tax collectors in the revenue generation process of the state government as constituting serious leakages which must be plotted for the state to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
The Executive Chairman regretted the activities of the multiple illegal tax collectors saying that they aside being security threats, they constituted nuisance to the general public, comutters and motorists who ply roads in the state.
He said that he had written to all security agencies to help the Service enforce the drive towards clamping down all illegal tax collect collectors in the state.
Enehe said that the state in the twilight of the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, through an Executive Bill, caused the state House of Assembly to amend the State Revenue Law and harmonized revenue collection in the state.
The passed Bill which was assented to by the the immediate past governor, Bello has criminalised illegal collection of tolls in the state and vested the sole authority of revenue collection in KGIRS.
“It is only in Kogi state that somebody, an individual or group, can create a toll gate to collect taxes. The new Revenue Harmonization Law has criminalized that,” he said.
According to the Executive Chairman, security agencies have also realized that the illegal toll collectors supply information to criminals just as they cause the price of commodities to soar as a result of the levies on transporters.
He said that removal of illegal Collections, especially the produce taxes, through implementation of the new Law would reduce the price of commodities and the attendant effect on the cost of living.
The Executive Chairman expressed optimism that staff of the Service would utilize their potentials to implemented the law, drive and achieve goals of the organization to sanitize tax collection in the state
He said in this regard, staff of the Service who would drive process were being motivated through, training, due promotions and other incentives.
Enehe revealed that as part of the measures to improve the revenue profile of the state, the Service would soon launch a device for registration and collection of taxes from Point of Sales (POS) operators in the state.
On the revenue profile and collection, Enehe said the Service generated N23 billion in 2023, and is expected to generate N30.4 billion this year as projected in the state budget.
He added that he was sure the Service would clinch the target through implementation of the Harmonization Law and blockage of all revenue leakages. (Ends)
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.
Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,
“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.
The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.
Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.
May his soul rest in peace.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.
Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.
She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.
“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.
The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.
Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.
Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu