Chairman-designate of the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue Service, ThankGod Adoage Norte has stated that the board under his leadership will explore new ways of driving revenue for the state by tapping into the informal sector.
Norte stated this while fielding questions from members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, during the screening of members of the Board.
The Chairman-designate, who stated that PAYE accounts for 87% of tax revenue in the state, attributed the inability of government to drive much revenue from taxes to over-concentration on PAYE and withholding taxes.
He faulted the use of consultants for tax collection, saying it disrupted the process of revenue drive.
Norte, who also decried the situation where some individuals under-declared their income, promised not to over tax the people.
He said: “PAYE accounts for 87% of tax in Rivers State. That situation is not acceptable and sustainable. We have to expand our tax net.
“What we intend to do at the Board is not to squeeze people. We intend to create a tax friendly regime. The banana republic type of tax drive must end.”
The House also screened and confirmed chairmen and members of Caretaker Committees into the 23 local government areas of the state.
While 13 CTCs were for reconfirmation, the remaining 13 were for new membership.
Those for reconfirmation included; Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Akuku-Toru, Bonny, Elements, Etched, Tai, ONELGA, Gokana, Khana, PHALGA, Omuma and Oyigbo, while the newly screened included Ahoada West, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Degema, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Opobo/Nkoro.
While thanking lawmakers for their contributions, Speaker, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the confirmations to the governor.
The House later adjourned to February 16 this year.
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