Govt re-strategizes for effective revenue generation

Akwa Ibom State  Government is to seek new strategies to intensify the capacity of its internally generated revenue.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon made this known while interacting with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments in the state during a meeting to chart a way forward for revenue system which was held at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Uyo, recently.

He pointed out that with the current economic reality of dwindling fortunes arising from consistent shortfall in oil revenue, it was critical to look inward by exploiting untapped revenue streams in the state to cushion the effect of the drop which he said may result in budget deficit.

The Commissioner who noted that as public administrators and facilitators of government policies and programs, the Permanent Secretaries’ input in this regard was indispensable to the revised revenue blueprint, charged them to see the task as clarion call to the service of Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Okon however reiterated state government’s resolve to work towards meeting its obligations to the people despite the tough times, calling for all hands to be on deck for the accomplishment of set goals and objectives, while also appreciating the Heads of MDAs for the impressive  turn-out at the meeting.

Acting Chairman Internal Revenue Service, Mr Anietie Edem said they were working very hard to realize revenue targets and stressed the need for capacity building, incentives for staff and  provision of work tools like vehicles for field work .

In their separate remarks, the Permanent secretary for finance, Elder Offiong Udoffe, and his counterparts Mr. Charles Udo of Environment, Mr Israel Udofa of Establishment, Mr Eddie Eyibio, Solicitor-General ,represented by Justice Janet Daniel and Surveyor-General ,Mr. Okokon Essien all harped on the need to address certain anomalies facing the revenue system. These they said include, tax evasion, low rate of tax administration, and non remittance of tax revenue.

They said the way forward was to create a legal framework that would assist in the enforcement of tax payment, effective application of global information system for tax administration, harnessing of untapped revenue sources ,as well as to reawaken people’s consciousness to see tax as a civic responsibility of all citizens.

Meanwhile, a Ten-man Advisory Revenue Committee headed by the Dean ,College of Permanent Secretaries ,Mrs. Grace Iwok has been set up to look at the issues raised during the meeting and draw up sustainability plan for improved revenue collection for the state.

Members are Elder Offiong Udoffe  Secretary, Mr. Offiong Eduongo ,Lady Gloria Umoren, and Dr.Effiong Abia. Others are  Mr. Effiong Charles Udo, Mr Anietie Edem, Mr. Okokon Essien ,and others.