Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has directed the abolition of revenue collection by proxy in parks, roads and markets in the state.
It also declared that it will start the implementation of the new tax and levy regime in the state from July 1, 2022, to curtail leakages of government revenue which usually end up in private pockets.
The State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, disclosed this at a one day town hall meeting held at Women’s Development Center, Awka, with Transport and Market Union Executive Members in Anambra State.
Governor Soludo warned anyone posing as a government revenue collector in any part of the state, to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.
He pointed out that the new tax regime has become imperative as the era of revenue generation through the sale of crude oil is gradually phasing out.
According to him, since February this year, no remittance had been done from the NNPC into the federation account as money acruable from the sale of crude oil is gradually dwindling
The Governor stressed however that henceforth, public parks owned by the government will be directly managed by government, directing that caretaker committee members in Anambra markets are forbidden from collecting revenue on behalf of government.
He pleaded with those who will be affected by the new system to consider the larger picture of making Anambra succeed for the greater good of the people. He however quickly offered to provide alternatives for them.
Governor Soludo called on the different unions to mobilize their members for action, stating that his administration will not hesitate to enforce the new directive for the general well-being of the state economy.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Richard Madiebo, explained that the present administration has designed the revenue framework in such a way that people can now pay their taxes and levies seamlessly, as well as eliminate multiple taxation.
Mr. Madiebo further said that all taxes and levies payers in the state will be issued with a digital Identification.
He disclosed that commercial vehicle operators who make daily payment, will not be charged to pay anymore in any public park, adding that five percent of the revenue generated by any union, will be given to them to manage their respective business places.
