Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has flagged off a high powered revenue drive with a target to raise the monthly revenue base of the State to about N5 billion monthly.
While flagging off the exercise in Jos, the Governor said the revenue drive is aimed at changing the income of the State to pave way for funding more projects and programmes being hampered due to lack of funds.
Lalong who paid the ground rent charges for his personal property, said he decided to lead by example in order to demonstrate to the citizens that nobody is above the law or will be left out in the process.
He explained that the recently signed into law of the Plateau State Revenue Consolidation Law, Plateau Property and Land Use Charge Law, Plateau Geographic Information Services Law amongst others were meant to give legal backing to all revenue generating activities and improving the tax environment.
Governor Lalong who warned against any form of default stressed that any individual or organization wishing to access some services of government shall be required to show evidence of payment of their taxes.
In a remark, Executive Chairman of the PSIRS Dashe Arlat reaffirmed that the exercise which involves taxpayer sensitization,awareness creation, on-the-spot inspection of registration licenses and permits is a continuous one that will be sustained.
He said enforcement and sanctions will commence after the period of sensitization and awareness elapses.
After the symbolic payment of his ground rent, the Governor and other top government officials visited some business premises to sensitise them and seek their cooperation in the high powered revenue drive.
Bilkisu Kambai