Show tax payment evidence before doing business in Plateau, Lalong tells contractors

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau Sate has said anyone who wants to do business with the state, especially contractors, must show evidence of tax payment before being considered.

The governor, who stated this at the third edition of the Plateau State Stakeholders Round Table Engagement on Taxation in Jos, on Thursday, declared that those running to him for contract would be disappointed if they did not pay their taxes

“To those running to me for contract, if you don’t pay your tax, don’t run to me for contract again,” Lalong said.

Governor Lalong said the state government would not rest on its oars until the state attained its targeted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), adding that revenue is needed boosting to meet pressing needs, especially capital projects.

Governor Lalong said his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at raising the IGR of the state.

“I have already given our backing as a government and have charged the Plateau State Internal Revenue to execute fresh strategies that will enable it to generate more revenue to the state.

“Coordinating revenue generating efforts all across the state is fundamental to enable us to fund government projects,” he said.

He said the annual stakeholders meeting was another opportunity to review and re-examine how best to enhance a win-win business enabling environment for the people, adding that government was committed to supporting business to thrive in Plateau State.

“We are glad that our modest efforts have yielded visible results. In less than two years, Plateau under our watch has become a reference point and a model for peace building, nationally and internationally, our people from every part of the state have become ambassadors of peace, coexisting and relating with one another with respect, mutual understanding and good neighbourliness.