Kwara Ease of Doing Business Council holds session on benefits of tax compliance

 

Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC) on Friday held another interactive session with relevant stakeholders to enlighten residents and business owners on the importance of paying their taxes, levies, and fees as and when due.

This is contained in a statement signed by  AbdulRasheed Toyin Babatunde,  Press Secretary, Ministry of Finance and made available to newsmen in Ilorin.

The gathering attracted dignitaries and representatives from the public and private sectors, including representatives from government agencies, leaders of the Artisan Congress and Marketers’ Associations; Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN); Hotel Owners’ Association; and National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS); among others.

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner of Finance and Chairman for EODBC, Dr Hauwa Nuru, said the session was to address misconceptions about tax regime in the state and strengthen the relationship between the government and taxpayers.

A well-structured tax system supports infrastructure development, attracts investors, promotes economic growth, and enhances public service delivery, according to the Commissioner.

Dr Nuru said the administration has made significant strides in reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, enhancing revenue collection efficiency, and ensuring that every kobo generated is judiciously utilised for the well-being of Kwarans.

“Taxation, levies, and fees are not merely financial obligations—they are the lifeblood of governance and development. The roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, the healthcare services we rely on, and the security we enjoy are all made possible through the contributions of responsible taxpayers,” she said.

“By fostering mutual understanding and accountability, we are creating a more effective and transparent tax system that benefits all.

“Under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, we are strengthening institutional frameworks, improving service delivery, and providing incentives for businesses to thrive.

“As stakeholders, our responsibility is to support this vision by fulfilling our civic duties diligently and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. A prosperous Kwara is a product of our collective effort – government, businesses, and individuals working together.”

Other officials of government who spoke at the event, such as Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun; Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Works and Transport Abdulquawiy Olododo; Chairman State Geographical Information Service (KWAGIS) Alhaji Suleiman Abdulkareem; gave more insights into the activities in their respective offices that either attract taxes or levies.

Director of Income Tax at the State Internal Revenue Services (KW-IRS) Muhammed Shehu Usman called on citizens to always pay their taxes voluntarily to avoid possible legal actions.

Usman said the government’s investment in various infrastructure and social services is a pointer to how taxes are being utilised.

He said the increase in enrollment of pupils and improvement in public schools’ infrastructure is a testimony that taxes are put to good use.

Participants at the event urged the Council to continue to hold dialogue with members of the public on the benefits of tax payment.

They also advised the KWIRS to do more on public sensitization by broadcasting jingles in various local languages for adequate information and improved tax awareness.

President of Hoteliers’ Association, Dauda Akande, commended the government’s commitment to ease the business climate in the state.

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