Femi Adi, Kaduna
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, on Friday, banned multiple tax collections in the state and introduced a new tax policy .
El-Rufai also said the newly introduced tax system has stopped the local government officials and other agencies from collecting taxes and levies from corporate organisations , business units and individuals across the 23 local government areas of state.
El-Rufai who disclosed this after signing the new Kaduna State Codification and Consolidated Tax Policy and Pension Scheme into law, said the replacement of cash tax collection with the e-payment method is part of efforts to block leakages in revenue collection.
According to him , the measure is to ensure that every penny collected as tax in the state is remitted. While explaining that the new tax policy will boost the state’s revenue profile, he expressed optimism that it will attract more investors and make payment easier for people. He added that his administration had taken necessary steps to cut cost of governance and direct resources to where it really matters.
The governor also hinted that the new tax law harmonizes the collection of all revenues under a single agency and consolidates all payable taxes into one law. He however emphasised that all local government or any other agency other than the Kaduna State Revenue Service can collect taxes and levies payable in any of the 23 local governments in the state.
Meanwhile, he warned those posing as revenue collectors to stay clear as government will use all legal means to bring them to justice.The governor also signed the new contributory pension scheme into law which according to him, will enable civil servants to easily collect their gratuities immediately after retirement.