The Executive Chairman federal Inland Revenue service Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru has told the government of Anambra state that to achieve a sustainable internally generated revenue IGR they must have a strong political will.
She stated this while delivering a paper at a town hall meeting on security and internally generated revenue (IGR) in Awka, Anambra state.
Mrs Okauru said that the first step in achieving this was to change the mindset and the philosophy of the government. She further stated that it was a known fact that both the federal and state governments have been fed by oil revenue and this has affected the mindset thus taking other sources of revenue for granted. She observed that once they receive their allocation from the federation account, which usually comes from oil revenue , they embark on spending without thought for alternative sources of revenue .
The chairman requested the state government and relevant stakeholders to ponder and ask questions on this issue. what would happen if oil dries up/ how will we meet the needs and aspiration of our people? She encouraged them to develop a strong political will to identify their shortcoming and address them squarely on practical terms without sentiments. She urged them to realize that oil would not last forever. Therefore, they must put in a place workable strategies for generating revenue internally, and also a political will to guide their expenditure pattern. She asked them not to see government money as ‘easy come easy go’, but they should always ensure the judicious usage that can make positive impact on the people.
The chairman further called on the state government to create a conducive investment environment which is an important strategy for the maximization of internally generated revenue. A conducive environment according to her, will boost investment activities in the state thereby enhancing viable economic activities which will form the bedrock for a viable IGR base.
She emphasized that security is central to a conducive economic environment and also stated that a situation of anarchy or uncertainty, will always affect business and revenue generation. She called on both the state and the local governments councils to set funds towards the provisions of adequate security in their areas of jurisdiction.
The executive chairman also suggested that to achieve a sustainable internally generated revenue, Anambra state must put in place a workable tax and revenue administration and also advocated that the state should erect strong and modern revenue boards, empowered to discharged their mandate according to the law. Adding that if the revenue boards are strengthened they will be challenged to deliver.
In conclusion, the chairman advised the state to always priorities its expenditures using appropriate planning techniques ensuring that the projects are the ones that will yield maximum benefit to the state and its people. She also advised that they carryout periodic sensitization and educational program of its citizen.
The Chairman used the opportunity to inform them of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and urge all the states to embrace it, stating that the adoption of TIN by states will enhance the exchange of information between the state and FIRS in identifying taxpayers, which will have an overall impact in improving internal generated revenue
BAWA S MOKWA