The Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Mr Okon Okon has stressed the need for taxpayers to synergize with the government for the improvement of revenue generation in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
Mr Okon made the call on during the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity programme held in Uyo, recently.
Speaking on the theme “Synergistic roles of the private and public sectors in improving state revenue generation”, the chairman underscored the symbiotic relationship between taxpayers and the government.
In his words, “studies have shown that the more dependent a country is on tax as a source of revenue for the government, the more developed that country is.
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“This means there must be a synergy and symbiotic relationship between the taxpayers and the government because the State Government funds public facilities and projects from taxes paid by citizens.
Analyzing the synergy between government and the tax public, Okon said “it is expected that when the government collects taxes from citizens, its uses the funds to improve the welfare of the citizens through building infrastructure, stimulating the state economy, creating enabling environment and employment, providing education, health facilities, among others.”
In this regard, Mr Okon applauded Mr Udom Emmanuel for managing the State’s resources effectively over the years, noting that his leadership approach has helped the state to grow internally generated revenue over the past 6 years.
“With the governor’s knowledge of finance, banking and accountancy, he has done very well as far as Akwa Ibom State economy is concerned,” he said.
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Also, he noted that professionalism and adherence to basic principles of taxation including integrity, equity and fairness, accountability and transparency have impacted positively on the Board’s performance.
Okon however urged taxpayers to continue to honour their civic obligation timely and adequately, noting that cooperation with tax authorities will create an enabling environment where both private businesses and the state’s economy will run effectively.
