KGIRS frowns at illegal revenue collections, initiates move to block leakages

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has warned illegal revenue collectors to desist from the unconstitutional act to avoid being arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. The Executive Chairman of KGIRS Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe gave the warning in Lokoja on Wednesday, while interacting with journalists on the activities […]

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has warned illegal revenue collectors to desist from the unconstitutional act to avoid being arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

The Executive Chairman of KGIRS Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe gave the warning in Lokoja on Wednesday, while interacting with journalists on the activities of the revenue service.

Enehe vowed that the agency would continue to block all leakages in the system in order to enhance revenue generation of the State.

He stressed that perpetrators of the illegal act would be apprehended and prosecuted according to the existing laws.

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“We are aware that despite our effort some individuals still hide under transport unions to collect certain amount of money from motorcycle and tricycle operators.

“They block roads in Adankolo junction, suya junction near the federal university Lokoja, first 200 housing unit junction, old market among other places” he said .

The Chairman maintained that collection of revenue due for Kogi state is the statutory function of KGIRS as spelt out by the law, urging those indulging in illegal collection of revenue to change trade, for the revenue agency would not have mercy for offenders.

“We will not relent on our oars until we ride the state off illegal tax collectors; because their actions and activities are already posing security threat to the state.

“They blocked highways at will to extort money from people in the name of tax collection and we don’t know them.

“The law for revenue collection in Kogi State is very clear to every body and we don’t expect any union to be collecting revenue meant for government, it is illegal and we are appealing to the security agencies in the state to assist us so that we can continually clampdown heavily on them”, he said.

In a related development, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS stated that the implementation of the Land Use charged law would pave ways for better infrastructure, improved public services and a greater future for the people of Kogi State

“When fully implemented, it can foster data-driven decision making, pave the way for the development of smart cities and jobs creation in the state.

“And in line with the ongoing tax reforms, the law aims at streamlining revenue collection , promote transparency and to ensure that all stakeholders contribute their fair share towards the development of Kogi state” he stated.