Tunji Adedeji
The Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), Nze Charles Owunali has announced that the state government recorded Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N1.4 billion in August 2019 as against N300Million realized in July 2019.
The IIRS boss stated this yesterday at his office along Okigwe road during the House Committee familiarization/Interactive meeting held in pursuant to constitutional provision of the committee on Internal Generated Revenue.
Nze Onwunali while briefing the lawmakers noted that one of the innovative efforts implemented to boost the state’s coffers was the decentralization of motor licensing office with more payment channels in Orlu, Okigwe and Mbaise.
Nze Onwunali who disclosed that he will record 60 days in office as IIRS boss on 8th September attributed the increase in revenue to the introduction of innovative ideas and continuous public sensitization efforts of the Imo government on the payment of taxes.
According to him, “We have embarked on major reforms such as acquisition of Electronic Central Billing System. With your support and the support we are getting from the governor, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha soon Imo State will join the millionaire club states in IGR collection.”
“He further said the automation hinges on this technology. The government of Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha has graciously approved unauthorized acquisition of this technology to be put in place by Byte Works Technology Solutions Limited”
When reacting to question bordering on the challenges on before he took over, he said we met an unstructured revenue office and took our time, embarked on making the everything transparent so that transaction can be as cash as possible.
He pointed out that the Imo revenue office can now be referred to as a one stop shop for any form of registration, such as plate number registration among others, assuring the lawmakers of his willingness to work with them.
Speaking earlier the House Committee Chairman on IGR, Hon Eddy Obinna said,” we have come to know your challenges, achievements and road map, so as to know the area we can use the instrumentality of the house to make people orientated bills.”
Hon Obinna said ,”we are impressed with your performance because its not easy to revive dead agency. You have brought transparency back and we will sincerely partner with you to ensure Imolites are not highly taxed.”
He said the Imo State House of Assembly would like to know the state of IGR in the state because Imo now have a new government
Other members of the committee present were Hon Solomon Anukam representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, Otuibe Samuel representing Ahiazu State constituency Hon Philip Ejiogu Owerri North among others.
Others present includes Barr Kissinger Ikeoku, secretary of the board, Lady Chioma Okpalaeke among others.
