As part of measures designed to improve and simplify data and tax collection, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service has commenced the digitalisation of revenue collection in the state.
The state revenue service says it has adopted the use of technology to block leakages in revenue collection across the State.
The Executive Chairman, KGIRS, Alhaji Salihu Sule Enehe, made the disclosure at the official flag off ceremony of Kogi State Infrastructure Maintenance Levy Collection on Monday at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
The Chairman noted that the rate of leakages in the revenue generation process across the State was unimaginable and a major challenge to the service,.
He said the technology driven process now employed by the Service will improve efficiency, foster economic growth while expressing optimism of enhanced revenue generation.
On the new technology, the Chairman explained the process would address challenges, provide seamless payment options, help government achieve it’s revenue. And that the Kogi State Infrastructure Maintenance Levy Collection was purposely designed for drivers.
He pointed out that the levy has been in place over the years but that the only difference was the switch from the manual collection process to a more efficient technologically driven process.
Contributing, Mr. Abiodun Ekebafe, the Senior Partner with A’s Consulting firm, drivers of the new technology described the new method employed by KGIRS as one designed to enhance data collection, promote seamless payment process and ensure transparency in revenue collection as well as boost confidence of users with the introduction of security features.
He further explained that the receipt is fraud proof, cannot be detached and that every money made will go into the coffers of the state government directly on a daily basis noting that the initiative was an online, real time technology.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo who flagged off the process, said his administration is committed to soaring the revenue generation profile of the State amidst dwindling allocation and expectations in meeting with the well-being of the people.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, he affirmed the commitment of his administration to promote accountability and transparency in the management of the state resources.
The occasion witnessed goodwill message from the Commissioner for Transportation, NARTO, RTEAN, NUTWU, MOUN and TOAN representatives.
Highlights of the flag off was the demonstration of the new process by A’s Consulting firm.
