The Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Commissioner of Police (CP), the 42nd CP in the state, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance revenue generation.
During the visit, the Executive Chairman of the Service, Justice Okoye(FCA) congratulated the CP on his appointment and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Police and the revenue agency. He highlighted key areas of partnership, particularly in enforcing the use of Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC).
As part of the discussions, the Executive Chairman proposed that the presentation of a valid TCC should be made a requirement for granting bail. According to him, such a measure would encourage tax compliance and ensure that individuals and corporate entities fulfill their tax obligations, thereby boosting the State’s Iinternally generated revenue.
Speaking during the meeting, Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba, noted that improved revenue generation is essential to the state’s economic growth, stressing that without adequate tax collection, the government may struggle to drive development and provide essential services.
He also pointed out that the role of the Police in supporting tax enforcement, assuring the Service of continued assistance in providing security for its personnel during tax operations, as well as cooperation in ensuring compliance across all Local Government Areas.
However, both agencies agreed, that this requires further legal clarification.