In order to tackle the current financial situation in Nigeria, and ease the challenge facing Kwara State, the Kwara State Government has set up a body authorized to manage the revenue generated by the state.
In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication, Dr Muideen Akorede, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said that the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) is established to reduce reliance on federally allocated revenue and raise additional revenue to ensure the state government continues to meet its obligations to the people.
The statement reads; “A bill establishing the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS), which is authorized to collect and manage revenue on behalf of state government and local councils, has been signed into law by the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
“The new law also repeals the edict establishing the State Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).”
Speaking while signing the new law in his office, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said KSIRS is a corporate body with the sole responsibility for effective collection and management of state and local council revenue.
According to him, while KSIRS will not be imposing fresh taxes on individuals and businesses in the state, the new service is authorized to assess and enforce payment of due taxes, levies, fees, and charges in the state.
Continuing, Governor Ahmed said that the new law also establishes a State Joint Revenue Committee with the responsibility to harmonize tax administration in the state and deal with revenue matters of common interest to state and local government authorities.
Governor Ahmed also announced the establishment of a Revenue Court to tax defaulters and evaders as well as any individual or business that refuses to comply with the provision of the law.
Speaking on the fate of staff of the defunct BIR, Governor Ahmed said they had an option of remaining in KSIRS, transferring his service to core civil service or leaving the service.
The Governor had recently expressed hope that the financial crisis some states are facing would soon be over.
