The Kogi State government has begun a clampdown on ‘criminal elements’ collecting revenue illegally across the State with a vow to block all leakages in the system.
The Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, (KGIRS) Sule Salihu Enehe disclosed this at a press conference held in his office in Lokoja, on Thursday.
He expressed sadness over the continuous blockage of roads by some individuals claiming to be collecting revenue for Kogi State.
Enehe also vowed to ensure that, those involved in the illegal act will be brought to book.
He added that, those collecting revenue illegally are security threat to the state saying that the present administration remains committed to boost it’s revenue drive and develop the State.
Narrating his experience in Kogi State concerning the collection of illegal revenue by some fraudulent individuals, Enehe said “It is only in Kogi that an individual will create a toll gate and start collecting revenue. We are happy a new law has criminalized this dubious act.
“There was a time I went to one Local Government, the road was blocked. I came down with my entourage and discovered that the receipt they are issuing out is Local Government and not State. I called the DLG and he said he is aware.
“I asked where is the money going to and he said he dont know. The new administration under Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has given a directive to put an end to this sharp practices of this individuals who are enemies of our State.
From today, we are swinging into action,
because this people are not working for us but their own selfish interest. Anyone caught in this dubious act will be arrested and prosecuted”.
He explained that, the Government is engaging with inter-switch to supply over 1000 Point of Sale (POS) machines to boost the revenue drive in the Local Government and block loopholes in the system.
According to him, the projected revenue for 2024 in Kogi State is N30.4billion.
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