From Mfon Ekefre, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom state government has engaged a new revenue firm- Emerson Consult Limited as part of efforts to re-energise its revenue machinery.
The firm is also expected to assist government in strengthening its revenue base.
The state commissioner for finance, Mr. Akan Okon, disclosed this at a crucial meeting with stakeholders of the revenue sector in the state
He reiterated government’s resolve to raise the revenue bar with its policy thrust, adding that part of the strategy would be to rake in additional funds by tightening the taxes in tax collection.
He said it was imperative to diversify the economy of the state to non-oil revenue in the face of dwindling fortunes from oil in order to upgrade and sustain the economy.
Okon therefore charged the new consulting firm to bring its vast experience and professionalism to bear in service delivery, while urging the revenue personnel to work in harmony with the firm in order to meet the state revenue bench mark.
The permanent secretary in the budget office, Pastor Nicholas Ekarika, commended government’s initiative in injecting new blood into the system and expressed his readiness to carry out his ability.
Chairman and chief executive officer of the consultancy firm thanked the state government for the privilege given them to serve and promised to reciprocate the gesture by working assiduously towards enhancing the state’s revenue profile.
Speaking on behalf of the internal revenue service (IRS) Mr. Ini Silas lauded the state government for employing the services of an indigenous firm for the job, and pledge greater support and cooperation for the realization of the IRS set goals and objectives.
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