KGIRS launches taxpayer sensitisation campaign in Kogi Central, promising to end multiple taxation and support small businesses
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has launched a fresh taxpayer sensitisation campaign on the state’s newly introduced tax laws, beginning with a stakeholders’ town hall engagement in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The event, held on Friday in Okene, marked the first in a series of engagements planned across the state’s three senatorial districts aimed at educating taxpayers, improving compliance, and deepening public understanding of the tax reforms.
The forum provided business owners, taxpayers, and other stakeholders the opportunity to engage directly with KGIRS officials, seek clarifications on the new tax regime, and raise concerns affecting their businesses.
Fair Taxation, Not Poverty – KGIRS Boss
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Dr Sule Salihu Enehe, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Abubakar-Aliyu Bala, described taxation as a fundamental driver of civilisation and national development.
He said the revenue service had fully aligned with the provisions of the new tax laws, particularly reforms aimed at eliminating multiple taxation, supporting small businesses, and making tax administration more inclusive for low-income earners.
“The agency remains committed to fostering economic growth through a fair tax system anchored on the principle of ‘taxing prosperity, not poverty,'” he stated.
Governor’s Aide Promises Action on Concerns
Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Rahman Nasir Ichanyi, told participants that the reforms were introduced to eliminate illegal revenue collection at roadblocks, reduce the burden of multiple taxation, and establish a more transparent relationship between taxpayers and government.
He assured participants that issues raised during the engagement would be conveyed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prompt attention and possible intervention.
Interactive Session Addresses Taxpayer Concerns
The Director of MDAs at KGIRS, Hassanat Enehezei Salawu, delivered a detailed presentation on the provisions of the new tax laws and responded to questions from participants during an interactive session.
The meeting drew representatives of various associations and taxpayers from different ethnic groups, including the Ebira, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa communities.
Informal Sector Appeals for Infrastructure Support
During discussions, stakeholders operating in the informal sector identified poor electricity supply and inadequate infrastructure as major obstacles to business growth, saying the challenges have negatively affected productivity and revenue generation.
They appealed to the state government to address the infrastructure deficits, arguing that improved power supply and better public facilities would enable businesses to expand and contribute more to the state’s internally generated revenue.
Campaign to Continue in Kogi East and West
The sensitisation exercise is expected to continue in Kogi East and Kogi West as the revenue service intensifies efforts to promote awareness, encourage voluntary compliance, and strengthen implementation of the new tax laws across the state.
