IGR: Oborevwori urges board to expand tax net

<p>Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Friday urged the State Board of Internal Revenue Service(DBIRS) to expand the its tax net to cover more businesses in the informal sector. The governor gave the charge while inaugurating the Chairman and Executive Directors of DBIRS in Asaba.</p>, <p>He said that the immediate past board raked in N58.56 billion, from January to June, out of the estimated N95 billion IGR for the 2023 fiscal year.</p>, <p>“With the current trend, I expect you to exceed the target for the year. That is one way to justify the confidence that has been reposed in you with this appointment,” Oborevwori said. According to the governor, the board has Mr Solomon Ighrakpata as Chairman, with Dr Frank Nwugo as Executive Director, Operations.</p>, <p>He said that Mr Kelly Oghenekevwe would serve as Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Mr. Collins Iwebunor, as Executive Director, ICT and Mrs Orezi Esievo as Director, Legal Services.</p>, <p>Oborevwori congratulated the members of the new board and expressed optimism that they would perform creditably with the rich blend of experts, technocrats and seasoned administrators. The governor commended the previous board, headed by the current Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, for their impact in revenue generation.</p>, <p>He charged the new board to surpass the achievements of the previous board in line with his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.</p>, <p>Oborevwori said that the board did not necessarily need to introduce new taxes to improve its internal revenue generating capacity but to expand its net to cover more businesses. “Often, when new taxes are introduced, it is imposed on the same people and businesses already captured in the tax net, which often leads to over taxation and the attendant frustration, anger, and resentment.</p>, <p>“What is required is to expand the tax net in such a manner that the informal sector would be adequately covered.</p>, <p>“It is therefore, incumbent on the board to devise creative ways to drag as many people