BIRS Chairman Seeks Partnership With Local Government Ministry To Strengthen Tax Reforms In Benue
The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba, CNA, has sought stronger collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to enhance tax administration and boost the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Kwaghgba made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. James Dwem, FCIB, CNA, at the ministry's headquarters in Makurdi.
Leading a delegation of top management staff of BIRS, the Executive Chairman congratulated the Commissioner on his recent appointment, describing it as well deserved. He expressed confidence in Dwem's capacity to provide purposeful leadership and noted that the ministry remains a critical partner in strengthening tax compliance across the state's 23 local government areas.
The BIRS Chairman stressed the need for closer collaboration in implementing the state's ongoing tax reform initiatives, with particular emphasis on addressing long-standing loopholes in the collection and remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes within the local government system.
According to him, blocking revenue leakages will improve tax efficiency, increase the state's revenue base, and provide additional resources for the government to execute development projects and deliver essential public services.
Kwaghgba further explained that the reform agenda aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia's economic vision of strengthening Benue State's revenue generation through transparency, accountability, and improved tax administration.
Responding, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. James Dwem, FCIB, CNA, thanked the BIRS Chairman and his delegation for the visit and appreciated the goodwill extended to him following his appointment.
He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to working closely with BIRS to improve tax administration across all 23 local government areas of the state.
Dwem pledged the ministry's full support for reforms aimed at eliminating revenue leakages, strengthening compliance with PAYE deductions and remittances, and increasing the state's Internally Generated Revenue.
Both officials agreed that sustained collaboration between the Benue State Internal Revenue Service and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will be instrumental in achieving the state's revenue targets and advancing the Governor's agenda for sustainable economic growth and development.
Source: Office of the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
