Govt to partner FIRS for enhanced revenue generation

The Akwa Ibom Government says it is ready to partner with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to enhance its revenue generation capacity.

The state's Finance Commissioner, Mr Akan Okon, said this in Uyo on Wednesday when FIRS acting State Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Mr Innocent Ohagwu, paid him a courtesy visit.

The commissioner said there was need for exchange of relevant information on how to capture every individual and organisation required by law to remit taxes to government.

He added that the state government had taken steps to put in place a robust tax compliance mechanism, stressing that it was also necessary to fashion out ways of securing public confidence in government to allow for voluntary compliance in tax payment.

He said that the administration of Gov. Udom Emmanuel was determined to utilise the money accruing to the state in the provision of tangible infrastructure.

He called on relevant authorities like FIRS to enforce relevant tax laws to guard against tax evasion and avoidance so as to make funds available for sustainable development.

Earlier, the FIRS Coordinator, Mr Innocent Ohagwu, had said that the visit was to solicit the cooperation of the Akwa Ibom Government in the attempt to increase revenue generation from the state.

Ohagwu said such collaboration was necessary in view of the present economic situation in the country, which had taken toll on finances of state and federal governments.

He called for constructive partnership that would yield mutual benefits for both parties, especially in the achievement of revenue targets.

He requested for a comprehensive audit assessment that would aid the remittance of taxes due to Federal Government.