Nasarawa State Government to Enhance Revenue Generating Capacity

Nasarawa State Government says it is poised on enhancing its revenue generating capacity to improve the living condition of citizens.

Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe made the commitment while declaring open a three day North Central Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance and Enforcement in Lafia on behalf of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Commending the choice of Nasarawa State as host of the three day North Central Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance and Enforcement, the state Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe who stood in for Governor Abdullahi Sule at the ceremony noted that Nasarawa state has been able to improve its internally generated revenue, IGR by more than three hundred percent since the implementation of the Harmonization and Administration of Revenue Law 2020.

While assuring that government will to do more to boost the IGR operations in the state, the deputy governor urged participants to use the training to evolve measures that will ensure their various states avoid over dependence on Federation Account.

He described the training as a platform for peer review, calling on stakeholders in tax administration in the country to be in tune with emerging trends in tax audit, investigation, compliance and enforcement which the training will provide to bring about efficiency, accountability and transparency in revenue operations and governance generally.

In a remark, state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Hajiya Munira Abdullahi sued for more regional collaboration to achieve desired results, reiterating government’s resolve to address challenges affecting tax administration in the state.

Executive Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service, Ahmed Yakubu Mohammad decried the low level of tax compliance in Nigeria which necessitated the north central regional training, noting that it is aimed at equipping participants with the expertise to navigate the complex landscape of tax registrations and how to apply enforcement strategies and techniques.

Ahmed Yakubu Mohammad implored the trainees to work together to enhance their capabilities and contribute to the development of a fair and sufficient tax system.

The opening ceremony also featured remarks and expectations from the Joint Tax Board Capacity Building Coordinator and speakers from the various participating states of the north central region and the FCT Abuja.