Bashir Opaluwa Idris
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has flagged off the use of Technology for the collection of Infrastructure Maintenance Levy.
In 2017, former Governor Yahaya Bello flagged off the manual collection of Infrastructure Maintenance Levy for revenue generation but the level of compliance to the initiative was affecting the revenue drive hence the flag-off of the use of Technology.
Speaking in a message at the occasion, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo said the infrastructure Maintenance Levy is a critical task item in the revenue collection profile of the State.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, Governor Ododo noted that the flag off will mark the commencement of the collection of the levy across the state using technology.
According to him, the move will enable the present administration improve on government revenue and deliver due dividends of democracy to the citizens.
The governor directed all critical stakeholders of Transport Unions and members to fully comply and cooperate with the State Revenue Service for a hitch free implementation of the levy.
Governor Ododo added that the present administration under his leadership will not condone any attempt to obstruct government revenue collection from any individual, group or union, saying such attempt is a criminal attempt and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
A partner in A’s Consulting who demonstrated the use of the device, Mr. Abiodun Ekebafe said the technology has security features, collects data, makes payment seamless and gives revenue assurance to the state government.
Earlier in his opening remark, Executive Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Saliu Enehe, said the leakage in the manual collections are enormous hence the need for the use of technology.
He called on road users to cooperate with the commission for effective service delivery.
In their goodwill message, State Commissioner for Transport, Atuluku Victor Levi, Transition Committee Chairman of Lokoja, Abdullahu Adamu and heads of various road unions, thanked the State Revenue Service for improving the revenue base of the state and pledged their support to the Agency.
