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By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has launched a new phase of its taxpayer awareness campaign on the new tax laws.
The awareness campaign began with stakeholder engagement in Kogi Central Senatorial District as part of efforts to increase compliance and deepen public understanding of the reforms.
The town hall meeting marks the beginning of a statewide rollout of the initiative, which is expected to extend to the remaining two senatorial districts.
The engagement provided taxpayers and stakeholders with a platform to engage directly with the tax authority, seek clarification on reforms and raise concerns affecting their businesses and livelihoods.
Speaking at the forum in Okene, Kogi Central Senatorial District, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Dr. Sule Salihu Enehe, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Abubakar-Aliyu Bala, described taxation as a long-standing pillar of civilisation, highlighting its vital role in national development.
He noted that the Service has fully embraced the provisions of the new tax laws, particularly those aimed at eliminating multiple taxation, supporting small business owners and bridging the gap between tax administration and low-income workers.
According to him, KGIRS remains committed to promoting economic growth through a fair and inclusive tax system, guided by the principle of “taxing prosperity, not poverty”.
Furthermore, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr. Rahman Nasir Ichanyi, explained that the reforms were designed to eliminate illegal revenue collection, reduce multiple taxation and establish a clear framework for tax administration between government and taxpayers.
He assured participants that their concerns would be forwarded to Ahmed Usman Ododo for prompt attention and possible intervention.
In her presentation, Director of MDAs at KGIRS, Hajia Hassanat Enehezei Salawu, provided a comprehensive analysis of the new tax laws and answered questions from attendees during an interactive session.
The meeting attracted representatives of various associations and contributors from different ethnic backgrounds, including Ebira, Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa communities.
During the session, stakeholders from the informal sector expressed concerns over irregular electricity supply and inadequate infrastructure, stressing that these challenges hinder the growth of businesses and limit their ability to generate revenue.
They urged the government to urgently address the problems, stressing that improving energy supply and infrastructure would improve productivity, enable business expansion and increase contributions to state revenue.
The awareness campaign is expected to continue across the state, as KGIRS steps up efforts to promote awareness, dialogue and compliance with the new tax laws among individuals and businesses.
