Finance Minister commends FIRS revenue collection performance
Management and staff of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have been commended for improved efficiency and hard work in the implementation of reforms that have resulted in increased revenue for the country.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar made this commendation on February 12th 2009 at the FIRS’ 1st Enlarged Management Meeting (EMM) at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
Dr. Mukhtar endorsed the introduction of automated collection system, e-payment and a host of other tax administration strategies adopted by FIRS Management. He commended its foresight, saying the innovations had already manifested positively in the revenue profile of the country. The Minister described FIRS’ performance as “wonderful” and in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to lay more emphasis on revenue from non-oil sources. He pledged the government’s greater performance.
Dr. Mukhtar also pledge to ensure the immediate take-off of tax appeal tribunals as provided for in the FIRS (Establishment) Act, 2007 and assured the agency of all necessary financial support in carrying out its statutory functions of assessment and collection of taxes.
In her address of welcome, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, described the EMM as an opportunity for the agency to reflect on past activities and project into the future.
Mrs. Omoigui Okauru commended the staff on their performance and disclosed that the 2008 government revenue targeted for FIRS was N2.27 trillion, a 31% increase on the 2007 performance of N1.85 trillion.
The Chairman called on staff to brace-up to the present challenge in view of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s declaration that the 2009 budget would be largely sustained by non-oil revenue. According to her, government expected N639 billion from Petroleum Profit Tax, N587 billion from Companies Income Tax and N580 billion from Value Added Tax.
Mrs. Okauru assured government of FIRS’ ability to deliver on the revenue target and requested for support in funding and providing training and equipment such as operational vehicles.
While declaring the meeting close, the Chairman dropped a cheerful news that led to a thunderous ovation by announcing promotion of the following officers. Mr. S.S. Ogungbesan to the rank of Director, Mr. H.A. Ilo though gone on retirement also promoted to Director. For the post of Deputy Director, Mr. Igwe C.P, Mr. Olayemi, P.A, Mr. Oduye, Ms. Adediran, O.O., Mr. Tyem C.V, Mr. Magam U.M, Oshiga G, Mr. Olulenu. For the post of Assistant Directors includes: Mr. Rufunji, A.J, Mr. Adamu. R.E, Mr. Titi, Ali, Olusile, T.A, Naih Gwom, Pam Davou, Mr. Dako, Mr. Alhassan Yahaya, Alh. Kabir Isah, Mr. Maspalma, Mr. F. O. Anuya, Mr. Aluko, Mr. Toba, Mr. Sambo, Mr. Adeleye, T.A, Mrs. Olisah, G.M, Mr. Jumbo, Mrs. Fayose, Mr. Nyambi and Mr. Ibiloye.