By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has called on the newly inaugurated members of the Cross River Board of Internal Revenue Service (CRBIRS) to position themselves professionally in order to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
Declaring open a two-day induction workshop for the State’s Internal Revenue Board at Monty Suites, Calabar, Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the board’s efforts in driving revenue growth.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor pointed out that tax evasion is predominantly practiced by the upper echelons of society, stating that his presence at the event underscores the level of trust and support government has for the board.
“We envision a state that works for all its people. We are working tirelessly to create opportunities, and to do more, we need our citizens to pay their taxes promptly,” the governor remarked.
The governor who enjoined members of the board to avoid political interference, explained that, “the board’s work is professional,” adding that “If we want results, we must engage competent individuals and steer clear of political decisions, which should be left to the executive.”
Executive Chairman of CRSIRS, Mr. Edwin Okon, stressed the importance of equipping board members with the right knowledge to effectively manage the tax system.
He noted that the workshop was vital in a bid to ensure that members remain prepared for the challenges ahead.
A facilitator, Barr. Chukwuemeka Eze, who spoke on, ‘Tax Dispute Resolution: Administration and Judiciary Perspectives,” stressed the need to demystify taxation, making it accessible and understandable for all.
Speaking on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms in Nigeria, Dr Esien Ukorebi, highlighted the importance of clear policy communication to ensure successful tax collection, while Dr. Eyo Itam, in his presentation on “Digital Economy: The Future of the Tax Profession,” charged the board to explore technology-driven strategies to enhance tax generation.
According to him, as the world rapidly evolves, the board must be proactive in leveraging new avenues for revenue collection.
The workshop marks a significant step in the state’s drive to boost its IGR through innovation, professionalism, and efficient tax collection processes.
