By; RALPH OKHIRIA, Benin.
Edo Government has set up a committee to fine tune a proposed bill to harmonize revenue collection by local government councils in the state.
Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah disclosed this to newsmen shortly after a meeting with the state Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki at the state government House in Benin on Friday.
Chief Elamah said that the Committee was to work out “A bill for the State Local Government uniform levies, rates, fees and Charges law 2017′
He stated that the bill sought to eliminate cash as a means of revenue collection and encouraged the use of POS or revenue scratch cards.
According to him, all revenue consultant, agent or contractors have been prohibited from collecting any form of revenue on behalf of any of the state government agencies or local government.
“The committee seeks a system that will be transparent, accountable and treat Edo people with dignity in the collection of revenue.
Elamah listed members of the committee to include the Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon Philip Shuiabu, who will chair the committee, Secretary to the state government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, his humble self and three representative of Local Government heads from the three Senatorial District of the state.
He said that the Committee was to work out the bill before January 15, this year and forward to the state house of Assembly for due consideration.
It will be recalled that the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki in his new year radio/television state-wide broadcast, announced the abolition of the collection of taxes in the state by all non-government officials.
Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah disclosed this to newsmen shortly after a meeting with the state Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki at the state government House in Benin on Friday.
Chief Elamah said that the Committee was to work out “A bill for the State Local Government uniform levies, rates, fees and Charges law 2017′
He stated that the bill sought to eliminate cash as a means of revenue collection and encouraged the use of POS or revenue scratch cards.
According to him, all revenue consultant, agent or contractors have been prohibited from collecting any form of revenue on behalf of any of the state government agencies or local government.
“The committee seeks a system that will be transparent, accountable and treat Edo people with dignity in the collection of revenue.
Elamah listed members of the committee to include the Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon Philip Shuiabu, who will chair the committee, Secretary to the state government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, his humble self and three representative of Local Government heads from the three Senatorial District of the state.
He said that the Committee was to work out the bill before January 15, this year and forward to the state house of Assembly for due consideration.
It will be recalled that the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki in his new year radio/television state-wide broadcast, announced the abolition of the collection of taxes in the state by all non-government officials.
