The Kogi State Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning hosted a one-day citizens’ engagement and interactive session on Monday to discuss the proposed Tax Reform Bills.
The event aimed to foster collaboration between the government and citizens, ensuring that public input shapes the proposed reforms.
The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Idris Asiru, highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance under Governor Usman Ododo’s administration.
“The purpose of this engagement is to provide a platform for citizens to engage with policymakers, understand the importance of the proposed tax reform, and explore how it can benefit the state,” Asiru said.
He elaborated on the importance of tax reform, stating, “Tax reform plays a crucial role in ensuring fair taxation, enhancing revenue generation, and promoting economic growth in our state. Tax reforms are not just about numbers; they impact the services we deliver and the future of our economy.”
Asiru urged citizens to actively participate in the consultation process, offering feedback and suggestions to ensure the final bills meet the needs and aspirations of Kogi State residents.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Sule Enehe, provided further details on the proposed reforms. He explained that the bills aim to streamline tax administration, ease the burden on low-income earners, and stimulate economic growth. Enehe highlighted key proposals, such as tax exemptions for small businesses, a simplified VAT regime, and a windfall tax on Nigerian banks’ foreign exchange profits.
He also addressed broader themes, including the importance of tax compliance, its impact on public service delivery, strategies to enhance public participation in the tax system, and addressing common misconceptions about taxation.
At the session, National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the APC, Hon. Duro Meseko, expressed the party’s full support for President Bola Tinubu and his economic policies. Meseko affirmed that the proposed reforms, when implemented, would bring significant benefits to citizens.
The session underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring that tax reforms are both citizen-centric and aligned with the economic development goals of Kogi State.
