Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service has completed its enforcement exercise across the state with an assurance of the commitment of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to the overall development of the state.
Executive Director, Legal Services, of the State Revenue Service, Mrs Orezi Esievo, who stated this while on an enforcement exercise, where some business premises across the state were sealed for defaulting in tax payment, stressed the need for the people to imbibe the culture of tax compliance, for derivable benefits.
Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs Orezi Esievo, who is in charge of compliance and enforcement, said the exercise became necessary following the refusal of some business owners to honour the various demand notices issued by the Revenue Service, which she described as a deliberate flouting of order.
She expressed displeasure at the nonchalance of business operators to pay tax, an attitude she noted does not support good governance and the MORE agenda of the state governor.
According to her, the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has plans for an all-round development of the state urging the people to reciprocate by paying their taxes to actualise the plans.
She listed the benefits derivable from tax compliance to include the provision of sustainable finance and funding for governance, provision of public and social services, as well as infrastructure and economic development.
Mrs Esievo, a lawyer, said the BIRS led by Honourable Solomon Igrakpata is committed to improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state noting that tax compliance serves as a gauge for measuring development and growth in all sectors of the economy.
The Executive Director, Operations, Dr. Frank Nwugo, noted with concern that many taxpayers in the state were defaulting with its attendant consequences, penalties, and sanctions.
He urged them to pay up to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities to the citizens.
Dr. Nwugo said it behoves every individual, co-operate entity, and organization to pay their tax, as it gives them the moral and legal right to accountability, bringing about the redistribution of wealth and bridging the wide disparities in the living standards of the people.
Companies sealed in Asaba, Ogwash-Uku, Agbor and their environs include the Wise Penny Hotel, Twin City Hospital, Bellwood Hotel, Eco Bank Plc, Edith’s Supermarket, Lapo Micro Finance Bank, Madonna International School, Union Bank, Oando filling station, and Total filling station.
