“Abia, ready to fight multiple taxation”, says govt, calls for arrest of security agents on illegal duty

Abia State government has assured residents, motorists, visitors and business owners within the state of an end to the era of multiple taxation and harassment by illegally constituted revenue collection agents.

The state government stated this in a press release issued on behalf of the state by the commissioner for Information, Chief Okiyi Kalu.

Kalu in the release stated that the Governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu gave the assurance at the end of a meeting with major stakeholders in the collection of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection chain in the state.

According to the release, Ikpeazu also gave directives for the arrest and prosecution of any policeman or security agent attached to any revenue collecting team apart from the ones working with the Board of Internal Revenue Service.

Okiyi in the release also hinted that the state government has equally ordered both Ministries, Departments, Agencies of government (MDA) and Local Government Council heads to withdraw forthwith, all kinds of revenue collection permits issued to agents.

“Henceforth, only properly identified staff of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with the state’s global consultant on IGR, CSDC, have the authority to collect revenue due to the state and local governments.

“Approved revenue collected on behalf of local governments are to be remitted to them by the state revenue collection agency after monthly reconciliation.

“The state government wishes to reiterate its decision to use recognized Trade Unions such as ASMATA, NURTW, ASATOA, Association of Importers et al to enforce the collection of Flying Revenue from their members. Executives of the concerned associations are to contact the office of the Chairman of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service to obtain approved list of payable revenue.

“As much as possible, flying revenue can be collected through recognized unions and trade associations in the state to ensure that registered members pay as and when due.

“All corporate organizations operating in the state are to ensure that PAYE and other Taxes are remitted to the government as and when due or face punitive action and sanctions as provided in law.

“Any policeman or security agent attached to a revenue collection team, other than the State Internal Revenue Service, is to be arrested and prosecuted for engaging in illegal duties.

“All revenue payments are to be made to the designated government accounts as will be published by the State Internal Revenue Service Agency.

“No Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) of the state is authorized to issue revenue collection license or permit to any individual or group from henceforth.

“All revenue collection licenses or permits previously issued by MDAs are by this announcement nullified.

“Local government authorities are also expected to withdraw all revenue collection permits issued to agents with immediate effect.

“The government wishes to assure citizens and residents that with these decisions reached, the era of multiple taxation and harassment of citizens by sundry persons is over in Abia State.

“It is also hoped that revenue leakages within the state will be minimized and soon become a thing of the past with the full deployment of the new computerized collection system.

“We therefore urge citizens to avoid patronizing fake revenue collection agents and report suspects to the nearest police station.”