Kwara revenue collection bill passes second reading

A bill for a law to make provision for the administration and collection of revenue due to the Kwara State government and local government councils tagged Kwara State Revenue Administration Bill 2015 has passed through second reading in the state House of Assembly.
Leading in the debate, majority leader of the House, Chief Abdul Ganiyu Abdul-Kareem expressed confidence the bill if passed into law would strengthen the power and means of generating more revenue for the State.
The lawmaker observed that since the three tiers of government had been experiencing dwindling revenue from the federation account, there was the need for the state and local government councils to look inward to ensure service delivery.
In his contribution, a member representing Ilorin South constituency, Alhaji Saadu Yusuf Tanke explained that the bill would curb double taxation as there would be harmonise efforts between the state and local government on revenue generation.
Also, members representing Isin, Oke-Ero constituencies Dr. Felicia Ojeleye and Dr. Abraham Ashaolu stressed the need for both state and local government councils to explore avenues for increasing Internally Generated Revenue, pointing out that with the influx of people, industries and business points in the State, proper revenue collection system should be put in place as, government according to them would be able to meet up with the People’s expectation.
Alhaji Adamu Sabi Ibrahim of Yashikira Okuta constituency and Hajia Raliat Aremu Adifa also of Ejidongari/Lanwa constituency said the passage of the bill would curb double taxation and tax evaders.
In his remark, the deputy speaker, Prof. Mohammed Gana Yisa who presided over the sitting praised members for their contributions and expressed confidence that the bill if passed into law would adequately capture the informal sector of the economy while tax evaders according to him would be apprehended and brought to book accordingly.
He therefore committed the bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative process and directed it to expedite action on the bill to ensure that the outgoing seventh legislature passes the bill into law to enhance the performance of the incoming administration.