Okowa seeks understanding between taxpayers, revenue board

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called for better understanding between the state’s Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) and taxpayers, to enhance service delivery.

He made the call on Friday at a stakeholders’ forum organised by DBIR in collaboration with the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) in Warri.

The governor, who was represented by his Executive Assistant on Revenue Matters, Mr Frank Nwugo, said that a healthy relationship between the revenue board and citizens would help to raise the state’s revenue base.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was aimed at educating tax payers and other members of the public on tax issues.

“DBIR cannot do without the relevant stakeholders in revenue generation for the state.”

“So, there must be an understanding, a harmonious relationship, between the revenue board and taxpayers to improve service delivery in the state.”

“Delta depends on the internally generated revenue; so, when the revenue shakes, the government shakes,” he said.

Okowa advised taxpayers to beware of touts to save themselves from embarrassment.

Chairman of the board, Mr Monday Onyema, said that the board adhered strictly to the principles of taxation in its activities.

Onyema denied that the board was involved in multiple taxes of taxpayers as being claimed by some taxpayers.

“DBIR does not carry out multiple taxes; it is not a thing of the board,” he said.

Earlier, some of the taxpayers had accused the state government of encouraging multiple taxations, noting that the development was frustrating their means of livelihood.

They also alleged that local government councils across the state collected different taxes from them.

The taxpayers, therefore, called for an enabling law that would ensure uniform tenement rate across the state.