Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) has called on all Revenue generating Agencies in the state to imbibe the spirit of team work, for effective and efficient revenue collection in the state.
The executive Chairman of IIRS, Mr. Justice Okoye who made the call during a revenue harmonization meeting with team stakeholders from Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Waste Management Agency and Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA) identified lack of synergy among critical revenue agencies and divergent modus operandi challenges that have been constituting clog in the wheel of progress in revenue generation in the state.
Okoye expressed optimism that establishing a harmonized process flow of all collectible revenue subheads of the various revenue agencies will be a way forward in resolving the clash of functions, double taxation and duplication of revenue demand notices.
He asserted that the modus of operation of the state internal revenue service as regards revenue assessment, collection and accountability is in line with the best practice obtainable in the federation and as strictly complies with directive of the state Governor.
The Revenue boss further expressed joy over the improved revenue collection profile of the state as was reported by the Paydirect service provider, Interswitch and enjoined all the revenue stakeholders to intensify efforts towards actualizing the stipulated revenue target of the state government.
Okoye encouraged all the revenue generating agencies, to share relevant information that will facilitate the realization of the set goals and boosting revenue generation in the state.
He admonished his colleagues to always serve their revenue bills to clients with invoice so as to differentiate them from the harmonized demand notice served by IIRS, maintaining that all revenue payment be made into the state Treasury Single Accounts (TSA).
He promised to make the meeting more regular to enable member agencies sort out their internal challenges that borders on associated running cost among others.
Adding his voice, the general manager, Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA), Mr. Chibuzor Umunnakwe called for correction an earlier announcement which portrayed his workers as illegal revenue collectors to enable them continue with their work. He expressed deep concern over multiple taxation and clash of function, called IIRS to champion a regulation that will reduce anomalies in the collection revenue system.
In their contributions, the general manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Chief innocent Ikpamezie and his colleague, the General Manager of Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), Mr. MacDonald Ebere called for the setting up of revenue target for their agencies pointing out that it will spur the” organization towards greater productivity.
They also was of the opinion that a provision be made for running cost of the various agencies that contributes in revenue generation profile in the state which were done through the single treasury account.
