Kogi pledges crackdown on illegal tax collectors, extortionists

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service has once again warned illegal revenue collectors in the state to desist from the unconstitutional act or face the full wrath of the law.

The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Enehe, gave the warning in Lokoja on Wednesday while interacting with journalists regarding the activities of the revenue service.

Enehe, who vehemently vowed that the agency would continue to block all leakages in the system to boost the state’s revenue generation, promised that perpetrators of the illegal act would be apprehended and prosecuted according to the existing laws.

“We are aware that despite our efforts, some individuals still hide under transport unions to collect certain amounts of money from motorcycle and tricycle operators,” he said.

“They block roads at Adankolo Junction, Suya Junction near the Federal University Lokoja, the First 200 Housing Unit Junction, the Old Market, among other places,” he added.

The Chairman maintained that the collection of revenue due to Kogi State is the statutory function of KGIRS, as stipulated by law, advising those engaged in illegal revenue collection to change professions. He stressed that the revenue agency would show no mercy to offenders.

“We will not rest on our laurels until we rid the state of illegal tax collectors because their actions and activities are already posing a security threat to the state. They block highways at will to extort money from people in the name of tax collection, and we don’t know them,” he explained.

“The law for revenue collection in Kogi State is very clear to everyone, and we do not expect any union to be collecting revenue meant for the government. It is illegal, and we are appealing to the security agencies in the state to assist us so that we can continually clamp down heavily on them.”

“If they refuse to change profession and abandon the illegal activity, we will not tire of clamping down on them because nobody is above the law in Kogi State,” he concluded.

Speaking on the ongoing process for the implementation of the Land Use Charge Law, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS stated that the implementation of the law would pave the way for better infrastructure, improved public services, and a brighter future for the people of Kogi State.

“When fully implemented, it will foster data-driven decision-making, pave the way for the development of smart cities, and create jobs in the state.”

“And in line with the ongoing tax reforms, the law aims to streamline revenue collection, promote transparency, and ensure that all stakeholders contribute their fair share towards the development of Kogi state,” he added.