Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has emphasized his administration’s dedication to implementing programs and projects aimed at improving the well-being of the people.
Governor Otti who stated this during a meeting with a delegation from the Tax Appeal Tribunal, South East Zone, led by it’s Chairman, Barr. Chukwuemeka Eze, highlighted the primary goal of governance as enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
The Governor noted that his adminstration is focused on executing programs for the welfare of the people and creating an investment-friendly environment.
He added that the state government’s efforts which include building roads, upgrading hospitals, and other initiatives are aimed at enhancing the lives of the citizens and attracting both local and foreign investors.
“When you see the roads that we are building, when you see us retrofitting hospitals and schools, clearing up drainages and disilting. These are all geared towards making life better for our people and making our place conducive to investment”.
Governor Otti acknowledged the importance of humane tax collection, contrasting it with past practices involving touts and noted that the present government suspended certain taxes initially as well as provided tax waivers, and introduced a digital system for convenient tax payments.
“When we came into office, we actually did suspend some category of taxes for a few months, some of them are still in force I believe.
“We also felt that people should have a very convenient way of paying their taxes from the comfort of their homes or offices using mobile devices like telephones, so these are some of the reforms that we have introduced”, Governor Otti stated.
He restated the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the Tax Appeal Tribunal as the state moves into full implementation of it’s tax reforms .
Earlier, the Chairman, Tax Appeal Tribunal, South East Zone, Barr. Chukwuemeka Eze commended the tax reforms and revenue generation management of Governor Alex Otti and assured him that the Tax Appeal Tribunal can assist his administration in quick dispensation of tax disputes.
He said the Tax Appeal Tribunal is a tax dispute resolution centre established by the Federal Government in 2010 as part of her reform of the Nigerian tax system, adding that, the tribunal comprises lawyers, accountants and representatives of the organized private sector which apply principles of integrity and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.
The visit featured the presentation of Tax Appeal Tribunal reports to Governor Otti, with key government officials in attendance including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, Secretary to the State Government,Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba among other top government officials.
