Date: 2018-03-19

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed has described the taxation system in the state as flexible and affordable.

The Kwara State Governor made this disclosure during the weekend in Ilorin through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr Muideen Akorede.

He stated that the revenue collection body-Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has not introduce any new taxes apart from the ones as enshrined in the laws governing taxation in Nigeria.

According to him: "Our tax policy is people's friendly. It's affordable and flexible but the problem is that people are not used to paying tax. Federal, State and Local governments abandoned tax collection due to crude oil discovery in Nigeria. So, it's now difficult for citizens to embrace tax payment culture. When you are talking about tax payment, some people think it's meant for civil servants alone but tax payment is civil responsibility of every citizens earning revenue from services, businesses or trade."

He noted that the Joint Tax Board has outlined taxes collectable by each level of government and KW-IRS only collect what is due to the state government.

The Governor explained that the tax for Artisans is N1500 per annum while Market women/men are expected to pay N3000-N5000 annually based the worth of their business, with an instalment payment option to make it convenient for them.

"When you pay your tax, you would make the government accountable and responsible. Aside that, government will have more revenue to provide social amenities, embark on developmental projects and meet other financial obligations like payment of salaries and pensions" He stated.

He urged Kwarans/residents to embrace tax paying culture in order to fast track development of the state.

Gov Ahmed reiterated the commitment of his administration to bring meaningful development to every part of Kwara State through efficient management of available resources.