IGR: Ondo Government Realises N2.3bn in 3 months

Akin Akinsehinwa, the Chairman, Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, said on Sunday that the state generated N2.3 billion as Internally Generated Revenue between January and March.

Akinsehinwa disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure.

He said the agency realised the amount within three months because it shifted focus from individual tax payers to corporate organisations.

The chairman said the shift in focus was a result of the harsh economic realities in the state which had been worsened by the dwindling resources from the Federation Account.

“Things are tough nowadays and we do not want to add more burdens to our people. Therefore, we have to shift our focus to corporate organisations. We are also very careful in dealing with the corporate organisations because we do not want to kill the geese that lay the golden eggs. We are aware that they too are being affected by the harsh economic weather,” he said.

Akinsehinwa however reminded individuals and corporate bodies in the state that payment of taxes was their civic obligation and government needed the resources to develop the state.

The chairman warned tax defaulters in the state to change their attitude because the state government would prosecute any individual or company evading tax.

“We have tried some people in court and the premises of some companies have been sealed for defaulting. Tax payment is compulsory and it is a criminal offence not pay. We will continue on that path if any individual or company is caught in the act of tax evasion,” he said.

Akinsehinwa urged the people to cooperate with the state government in developing the state by paying their taxes.

The chairman said that the present administration in the state meant well for the people.