By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, has urged the newly screened Chairman of the Internal Revenue Board, Dr. Eniekezimene Daniel Esetebefa, to significantly increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and ensure proper remittances to the treasury.
Hon. Ingobere emphasized the importance of IGR as a supplementary source of income for the state, alongside monthly statutory allocations.
it is mandatory that you enhance the revenue base by not undermining the taxpayer’s ability to pay in order not to create further hardship”.
He said, “Obviously, having known your pedigree and career, we believe and have hope that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear in this your anticipated job. The Bayelsa state expectations are high in terms of increased internally generated revenue and remittances.”
“Therefore, it is seen as a veritable avenue for both national and sub national governments for revenue generation”, he said.
Answering questions from some of the lawmakers about what he can do to jack up the revenue and to block leakages in the state, Dr. Eniekemene said the attitude of the revenue collectors have to change towards investors.
“A lot of companies are running away from Bayelsa because of arbitrary taxes. Except the matter is urgently addressed, the state will continue to lose revenue”, he said.
As regards the blockage of leakages, he said he will do what he can with the help of others to work out the modality of how to go about it.
“For the way and manner some youths are collecting revenue in the state will look into it? I will find out as soon as I assume duty to know whether they have authority to collect revenue for the state”, he added.
Speaking further, he said to boost the IGR of the state; investors should be giving tax holiday and a friendlier environment for investors. “Many investors are not coming to Bayelsa state because of the way they are being harassed by the revenue collectors and that has to be discouraged”.
Lawmakers who drilled the nominated Chairman includes, Hon. Wisdom Fafi representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2, Hon. Michael Igbere representing Ekeremor Constituency 3, Hon. Monday Edwin Obolo Leader of the House representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, Hon. Charles Daniel representing Brass Constituency 1 and Hon. Bernard Sunday Kenibai representing Sagbama Constituency 2.
