By Andrew Ikehi
As the different tiers of government continue to strengthen their drive towards improved revenue generation, particularly through effective taxation, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozie has said that beyond the drive, a shift in revenue derivation from government to private sector, remain a viable index for the nation?s economic development.
The Monarch stated this yesterday in his Palace when members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) paid him a courtesy visit, preparatory to their 130th quarterly meeting currently holding in Warri, Delta State.
While underscoring the import of taxation in governance as according to him, it remains the major source of revenue for any government; the Monarch canvassed the need for a change of control of the nation?s oil revenue from government to private sector.
His words, ?Taxation is a very important aspect of government as it is the major source of revenue for government. In most developed countries, taxation is the main source of revenue.
?It is not because of oil as the United State for instance, is a larger producer and consumer of oil, yet, the government of the United State is not involved in the management of oil revenue the same way Nigeria is. Our approach is a remnant of the colonial period.
?I hope that in the due course of time, there will be a change in the control of oil income from government to the private sector as that is what is obtainable in developed countries such as Europe, America and Asia? Asagba said.
He commended the resilience of Tax authorities in the country for their drive in improved revenue generation, just as he enjoined them to continue to employ the principles of persuasion and education in enforcing tax compliance.
Earlier, the National Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Kabir Mohammed Mashi told the Monarch that they were in his palace to officially inform him of their presence in the state for the five-day quarterly meeting of the board.
Mashi who was accompanied on the visit by the 36 Chairmen of the different State?s Board of Internal Revenue, including the Delta State Chairman, Hon. Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, said that during the meeting deliberations on matters of common interest that will foster better collaboration among tax authorizes would be discussed.
From Left: Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon. Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozie and the National Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Kabir Mohammed Mashi during a courtesy visit on the Asagba by members of the Joint Tax Board yesterday.
