Imo increases IGR from N200m to N600m as Rochas calls for regular payment of Tax by citizens

Imo State Governor sitting next to former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief D.S.P Alamesiegha at the Banquet Hall Owerri during the occasion of Aka Ndozi Imo

Governor Rochas Okorocha has commended the Ministry of Internal Resources and Pension Affairs and the Imo State Board of Internal revenue for their effort in improving the IGR of the State from N200m to about N600m.

He made the commendation during the official launch of Aka Ndozi Imo (The hand that contributes to the development of Imo State) at the Banquet Hall, Government House Owerri recently.

The programme which is a tax mobilization initiative was organizhted by the Imo State Board of Internal revenue and the Ministry of Internal Resources and Pension Affairs.

Governor Okorocha who stressed the need for increased internally generated revenue, urged all to see tax payment as a thing of joy and as a civic responsibility which a good citizen must perform.  Said he;

 “There can’t be a great citizen without a great tax payer”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha assured that government would provide the necessary facilities for effective tax collection while sounding a warning to illegal tax collectors to desist from such acts.

He called on individuals and co-operate organizations operating in the State to imbibe the culture of regular payment of taxes to assist government provide the needed social infrastructure and services.

 The governor recalled that his administration inherited 12 years pension arrears owed by the previous administration which today has been cleared, and further vowed that “never again in the history of Imo State will any worker stay without his/her pension. “

He explained that the Ministry of Internal Resources and Pension Affairs was established by the present administration to dramatize the seriousness the Rescue Mission government attaches to issues of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and pensions.

Contributing, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu, noted that government has a responsibility to provide social amenities but the people must reciprocate by paying their taxes. He therefore called for a symbiotic relationship between government and the people to ensure a more prosperous state.

The Imo law maker gave assurance that the House will provide the necessary legislation and laws that would guarantee effective tax system in the state.

In his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Internal Resources and Pension Affairs, Mr. Nick Oparandudu maintained that a most urgent action was needed to increase the revenue base of the state especially as oil revenue which constitutes much of the federal allocation has continued to drop over the medium and long term due to a combination several factors.

He therefore appealed to residents and organization in the State to support the government through regular payment of their taxes to enable it meet the growing demands of citizens.

He rated the Okorocha administration as having performed creditably in providing physical infrastructure, services and even free education up to tertiary institution and called for collaborative effort of stakeholders, the traditional rulers, private sector and all citizens of the State to achieve the Imo of our dreams.

HRH Eze Ben Igwilo, the traditional ruler of Osina autonomous community and Secretary Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the Traditional Rulers are committed to raising about 1,000 taxable adults in their various communities to help government realize its programme of developing the State.

Highlight of the occasion was that award of recognition and appreciation to individuals and corporate organization for sustained and prompt payment of taxes.