GOV OTTI URGES ABIA TRADERS, TRANSPORTERS TO COMPLY WITH E-TAX, PLANS TO INTRODUCE TSA

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Stakeholders in revenue generation in Abia State are advised to embrace the newly introduced digital tax formula for transporters and traders in the state.

Governor Alex Otti made the call during an interactive session with stakeholders from the transport sector and major markets in the state at the Government House, Umuahia.

Governor Otti noted that the essence of the meeting was to educate them on benefits of E-tax payment and why they should embrace it.

He explained that the Electornic payment method would save them from all forms of manual collection of revenue, fraud and help increase the revenue base of the State, ease of doing business, attract local and international investors as well as help the government fulfill its campaign promises to the people of Abia State.

According to the Governor, the state government has concluded plans to commence a Treasury Single Account (TSA) by September 1, 2023, stressing that the idea is ensure transparency in his administration.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mr. Chimereze Okigbo, said the essence of the town hall meeting was to have useful interactions with the necessary stakeholders, having launched the new digital tax regime.

While assuring that the system would be simple and aimed at blocking revenue leakages of the state through elimination of middlemen in government revenue collection, Mr. Okigbo said government would profile agents and place them in various locations to assist in the system to make it seamless.

In their separate reactions, some transporters and traders, including Prince Ndubueze, Cyril Ozor, Ezekiel Nwadibia and Mrs. Chinyere Foster, said a lot needed to be done in the motor parks and markets in terms of enlightenments and fixing of internal roads among other things.

They emphasized the need for synergy among traders, transporters and government for adequate compliance with the new tax regime.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU