IIRS ENGAGES COMMISSIONERS AND LGA CHAIRMEN ON REVENUE ENHANCEMENT

 

In a strategic effort to boost Imo State’s revenue generation, the Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) held a crucial meeting with the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Dr. Chuck Chukuemeka; Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Chief Bar. Rex Anunobi; Digital Economy and E-Government Dr. Chimezie Amadi, and Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen.

During the session, the Chairman outlined key strategies to enhance revenue collection such as; the core mandate of the IIRS, the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IIRS and the LGAs, and the automation of essential tax administration processes as approved by the state government.

Mr. Okoye also highlighted critical challenges in revenue collection, including low compliance levels among the LGAs, the influence of associations and trade unions, hostile working relationships towards IIRS staff by the LGAs, and market tax collection.

To address these issues, he underscored the need for stronger collaboration between IIRS and the LGAs, particularly in adopting an automated tax platform. This, he noted, would streamline tax collection, improve compliance, and enhance monitoring across the state. Strengthening this synergy, he added, would provide better visibility into the monthly tax revenue generated for the LGAs.

As part of the modernization efforts, Mr. Okoye introduced a new management solution for the collection of e-daily tickets for transportation and market fees, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in revenue collection.

Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, who spoke on the benefits of the Imo State Social Security Number (IMSSN) initiative, emphasized that training and the resuscitating of training centers across the state will aid in youth empowerment and employment.
He stressed that many of the challenges faced by LGAs could be effectively addressed through collaboration between IIRS and the LGAs, ultimately benefiting the state’s economy. He also revealed ongoing efforts by his ministry to enhance the use of technology for efficient revenue generation.

Additionally, the Commissioner for Finance addressed market taxation in the state, clarifying that while LGAs are responsible for collecting market taxes, the state government retains the authority to collect taxes in markets where the state has made significant investments and also markets in which the state is in partnership with the LGAs.

A resolution on the MOU was reached in the presence of the Commissioners and LGA Chairmen, marking a significant step toward strengthening revenue administration in Imo State through digital transformation and intergovernmental collaboration.

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