The Bauchi State government has expressed its readiness to work with the Federal Inland Revenue Service in a bid to improve tax payments in the state.
The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interactive session with FIRS officials from the Bauchi office of the service who paid him an advocacy visit as part of the celebration of the 2024 FIRS Customer Service Week.
Jatau while commending the Service for initiating the Customer Service Week, noted that it would serve as a reminder of the vital role effective communication and customer service play in tax administration and, by extension, in the socio-economic development of Bauchi State.
According to him, taxation is the backbone of the government’s ability to provide essential services, infrastructure, and support for citizens, as it is through the revenue generated from taxes that the government can fund education, healthcare, and development projects that benefit all citizens.
He said, “These initiatives not only ease the burden on taxpayers but also promote a sense of trust and accountability between the government and the governed. I assure you that the Bauchi State Government is prepared to support these initiatives and provide any necessary support to enhance tax compliance.”
The deputy governor further assured the visitors that Governor Bala Mohammed is fully committed to fostering a culture of tax compliance among the citizens through working closely with the FIRS to ensure that citizens understand the importance of their contributions and the positive impact it has on the state’s economic growth.
He remarked, “As we celebrate Customer Service Week, let us remember that our mutual goal is to create a fair and efficient tax system that serves the interests of our citizens. I encourage us to engage with our communities, listen to their concerns, and educate them on their rights and responsibilities regarding tax payments.”
The FIRS boss in charge of Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states, Sani Dahiru, who led the delegation, hailed the state government for supporting the service to deliver on its assigned responsibilities effectively in the state.