BENIN CITY – The Edo State Internal Revenue Service and the Ikpoba-Okha local government council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a view to strengthening and enhancing the revenue collections of the council.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Corporate Headquarters of the EIRS, New Lagos Road, Benin City, the Ikpoba Okha Council Chairman, Hon. (Mrs) Itohan Osahon-Ogbede, said the MoU became imperative because of the difficulties the council was encountering in the revenue collection process, especially amongst the tipper drivers.
Hon. Osahon-Ogbede stated that the council was experiencing some challenges 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 invent, 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, chose to assist us in the difficulties we are having by making collections from tipper drivers”, stated Hon. Osahon-Ogbede.
She said the council had resolved to shift its revenue drive to their (tipper drivers) new base/location, but faced with challenges getting started, hence the need to collaborate with the EIRS with a view to enforcing the revenue drive amongst tipper drivers.
The council boss hinted that the allocation from the Federation Account was dwindling as it was never enough to pay workers salaries 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 (Sir) Oseni Elamah Coroborated the Council boss 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 confident in the revenue system of Edo State. Chief Elamah said EIRS was focusing on helping the council to build a tax-friendly environment.
Said he; “If we believe that the customers (taxpayers) 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 civic responsibility”, of paying their taxes”.
He disclosed that the Revenue law requires the EIRS to collaborate with and help build capacity for the local governments in their drive to collecting revenue. This he said will further help the Joint Revenue Committee of the state.
The EIRS boss expressed optimism that the MoU initiative would be seen by other aspiring local governments across the nation as a flagship project, just as he assured that the EIRS would work closely with the council with a purpose of creating the necessary enabling environment.
Useni Elamah
