The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) launched a fresh phase of its sensitisation campaign on the new tax laws, aimed at boosting compliance and deepening public understanding of the reforms.
The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Dr. Sule Salihu Enehe, at a town-hall meeting on Friday in Okene, described taxation as a long-standing pillar of civilisation and stressed its critical role in national development.
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Abubakar-Aliyu Bala, Enehe said the Service had fully embraced the provisions of the new tax laws.
He said the engagement marked the commencement of a statewide rollout expected to cover the remaining two senatorial districts.
Enehe said the interraction provided taxpayers and stakeholders a direct platform to interact with the tax authority, seek clarification on the reforms, and raise concerns affecting their businesses and livelihoods.
He said the new tax laws aimed at eliminating multiple taxation, supporting small business owners, and bridging the gap between tax administration and low-income earners.
“KGIRS remains committed to promoting economic growth through a fair and inclusive tax system guided by the principle of ‘taxing prosperity, not poverty’,” he stated.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Rahman Ichanyi, explained that the reforms were designed to eliminate illegal revenue collection at roadblocks, reduce multiple taxation, and establish a clear framework for tax administration between government and taxpayers.
He assured participants that their concerns would be relayed to Gov. Ahmed Ododo for prompt attention and possible intervention.
In his presentation, the Director of MDAs at KGIRS, Hajia Hassanat Salawu, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the new tax laws and responded to questions raised during an interactive session.
The meeting drew representatives of various associations and taxpayers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Ebira, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa communities.
Stakeholders in the informal sector, however, expressed concerns over erratic electricity supply and poor infrastructure, noting that the challenges hinder business growth and limit their capacity to generate revenue.
They urged the state government to urgently address the issues, emphasising that improved power supply and infrastructure would enhance productivity, enable business expansion, and ultimately increase contributions to the state’s revenue base.
KGIRS said the sensitisation campaign will continue across the state as part of efforts to promote awareness, dialogue, and compliance with the new tax laws among individuals and businesses.
