Delta targets N12bn monthly IGR, moves against tax evaders

The Delta State Bureau of Orientation has said it is planning a multi-faceted campaign strategy to further sensitise citizens on the legal implications of tax evasion and the need for individuals and operators in the informal sector to pay taxes when due.

The head of the agency, and the Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communications to the State Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, stated this on Saturday in Asaba.

Oghenesivbe said the agency would partner with the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue to drive the campaign in line with the government objective of raking N12bn and above monthly, next year.

He said, “We are committed, and ready to partner with government agencies and organisations to drive the MORE agenda of the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, through strategic campaigns that touch on government policies, and programmes as well as to emphasise the need for citizens to perform their civic responsibilities, such as payment of taxes to government as at when due.

“We hope to partner with the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue to drive the campaign against tax evasion and avoidance, reach out to our schools and the mass media to also sensitive our people and youth on the need to stay away from crime, avoid drug abuse and other societal ills.

“The lofty programmes encapsulated in the MORE agenda are such that touch on all segments, sectors and social strata, including job and health creation programmes that would transform our street boys and girls to the enviable status of good boys, girls and successful entrepreneurs.

“Tax evasion and avoidance is a serious criminal offence which must be discouraged, payment of taxes is an integral part of citizens’ civic responsibility to the state.”

Oghenesivbe said the State Orientation Bureau, will drive aggressive and impactful public enlightenment programmes via the mass media; radio and television jingles, podcasts for social media, billboards and town hall meetings in communities and institutions of learning.

He added that such campaign messages shall consistently speak to the conscience of our teeming youth to abstain from drug abuse, social vices and financial crimes, such as Yahoo Yahoo, prostitution, homosexual and lesbianism that are classified as criminal in federal and state Laws.