By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), under the leadership of Executive Chairman Alhaji Salihu Sule Enehe, has officially launched the implementation of the Land Use Notice emanating from the 2024 Land Use Charge Law, emphasizing the importance of public education on the objectives of law.
Enehe called on journalists to assist in spreading awareness about the legislation’s goals and benefits to the public.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday at the KGIRS’ headquarters in Lokoja, Enehe described the introduction of the Land Use Charge as a significant milestone in bolstering the state’s revenue base, a vital step towards ensuring sustainable development.
He noted that the law would not only improve local government revenue generation but also promote data-driven decision-making, paving the way for the creation of smart cities and the generation of jobs in Kogi State.
“The implementation of this law marks a crucial move towards building a more transparent and efficient revenue system.
“Our ongoing tax reforms aim to streamline collection processes, promote accountability, and ensure every stakeholder contributes their fair share to the state’s development,”said Enehe.
“The successful implementation of this law will yield numerous benefits for our stakehokders and for the state at large even as I urge you all to join all to join forces with us to make this initiative a resounding success”,he said.
The executive chairman emphasized that a robust revenue system is the cornerstone of effective governance and urged taxpayers to embrace the Land Use Charge Law as a means of empowering the government to deliver impactful projects that will benefit businesses, communities, and future generations.
“Together, we can unlock Kogi State’s vast potential and create a brighter future for all our citizens. This land use charge is not just a levy, but an investment in better infrastructure, enhanced public services, and a prosperous future for Kogi residents,”he pointed out.
Providing insight into the operation of the exercise while fielding questions from journalists on the sidelines, the executive chairman stated that property tax owners are allowed to lodge complaints if they feel overtaxed, in order to correct any anomalies and ensure fairness in taxation.
He added that owners of mud houses and those with no feasible means of paying for the property taxed, such as pensioners, are exempt from the exercise through the 21 local government areas of the state.
Alhaji Enehe cited Kabawa area of Lokoja, characterised by many mud houses,to buttress his point.
In his remarks, Dr. Nasir Rahman, Special Adviser on Revenue to the Governor,reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative.
He assured the public that the funds to be generated would be judiciously used for the welfare of Kogi’s citizens.
Hajia Hassana Salawu, Director of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the Service,also spoke in support of the initiative, thanked the management of the Service of the commencement of the exercise and urged residents to cooperate by promptly paying the prescribed charges for their properties.
She further appealed to journalists to amplify the message to the public,reminding the people that “the hand that pays tax will never lack.”
