Taraba traders, ethnic groups back voluntary tax compliance

Stakeholders and market leaders representing various ethnic groups and traders’ associations across Taraba State have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) through voluntary tax compliance.

The commitment was made during a tax sensitisation walk held in Jalingo, where participants unanimously emphasised the importance of prompt tax payment as a key driver of development in the state.

According to the stakeholders, internally generated revenue provides the government with the resources needed to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential public services that directly impact citizens’ welfare.

The awareness and sensitisation campaign was organised by the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) in partnership with i4CUS Nigeria Limited, the state’s revenue automation consultant.

The exercise introduced taxpayers to a newly deployed automated tax payment system aimed at modernising revenue administration.

DAILY POST gathered that the end-to-end encrypted digital platform is designed to improve transparency, accountability and ease of tax payment while reducing revenue leakages and enhancing the efficiency of revenue collection across the state.

Speaking during the rally, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of i4CUS Nigeria Limited, Abama Judy Joy, said the partnership with TIRS is focused on strengthening Taraba State’s revenue generation capacity through innovative technology solutions aligned with global best practices.

She noted that the digital transformation initiative would simplify tax payment processes and foster greater trust and confidence among taxpayers.

Participants at the event expressed their readiness to embrace the new digital tax system, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens fulfil their civic responsibilities through voluntary tax compliance.

The revenue reform initiative, which commenced last year, is expected to significantly increase the state’s internally generated revenue, improve compliance levels and provide a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth, improved service delivery and long-term development.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service, Brigadier General (rtd) Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening public confidence in the state’s revenue administration system through direct engagement with taxpayers.

Faransa commended traders from various ethnic groups for demonstrating their commitment to fulfilling their legal tax obligations.

He also stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, warning that no individual or group is authorised to collect taxes illegally or divert government revenue into personal accounts.

He urged residents to make use of the official tax payment channels and support ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in revenue collection across the state.