The Oyo State Government has said it is switching to technology to drive revenue collection to curb every form of revenue leakage in the state, in line with global best practices.
The Chairman, Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Adebowale Olufemi Awakan, made this revelation, in Ibadan, during a live appearance on Aloore Online Radio, the broadcasting arm of the state Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Awakan acknowledged that revenue generation in the state had increased by about 90 percent, compared to what was met on the ground by the present administration, noting that teamwork and dedication from his team members had led to the improvement in revenue generation.
He said: “I have a strong team who we go together on tax drive every day; to companies, business locations, hotels, etc. to educate them on reasons they should pay their taxes, how to pay, where and when to pay their taxes. The effort made and still being made to sensitise the people has been yielding great results, hence the increase in revenue generation.”
While giving a further explanation on taxation, the Chairman said taxation is charged on employment, businesses, vocation and profession.
“On employment, you pay as you earn (PAYE), while business is based on direct assessment,” he explained.
Awakan reiterated further that the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into revenue collection will improve a government-taxpayer relationship, block financial leakages and bring comfort to taxpayers, such that they could pay in the comfort of their rooms, without having to go to the bank.
He, therefore, charged those who were already on board, when it comes to tax payment, to keep on paying their taxes as the government was putting into good use all the taxes paid, encouraging those who were not yet on board to do so.
Dominica Nwabufo
