Anambra to Strengthen Revenue Collection

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The State Government is to reorganize and strengthen the State revenue collection machinery for more efficiency. Governor Peter Obi announced this when the Change Team of the Unique Taxpayer Identification Number Programme of the Joint Tax Board

paid him a courtesy call at the Governor's Lodge Amawbia.

Governor Obi said the revenue office had performed below expectations and should be reinvigorate for better results. He noted that the State has enough potential to generate reasonable revenue if people can make sacrifices to carry out their civic responsibility as payment of taxes, which he described as critical component of development of any country or society.

The programme Manager, Mr. Chinedu Eke explained that the Unique Taxpayer Identification Number Programme was initiated by the Joint Tax Board to provide effective and innovative solutions to proper tax administration. He explained that the programme will,   among other things, provide reliable and centralized data base of taxpayers in the country and automate tax registration activities for all levels of government than will enhance sustainable revenue generation.

The Chairman, State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Nwanne Ejikeme said the new initiative would revolutionalize Tax administration and collection in the country.

Mr. Ejikeme said the programme would help government to plan, eliminate trouble taxation, ensure accurate tax assessment and efficient tax administration as well as boost government revenue profile.

He disclosed that five staff of the Board have already gone for training in Lagos.

Also speaking the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Lady Victoria Obinwa said the programme would encourage people to appreciate that payment of tax is a civic responsibility for every citizen. She stressed need to diversify sources of revenue in the country to reduce dependence on oil and mono economy in order to sustain development.