By Titus Chigozie
In groundbreaking moves, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR of Anambra State has been implementing a series of tax payment reforms that are poised to make a significant impact on the state’s economy.
With these reforms, Governor Soludo seeks to encourage greater compliance with tax laws and create a fairer system for all taxpayers.
One of the key changes Governor Soludo made was to engage the services of Billy Oil and Gas Services as one of the authorised revenue collectors and partners of Anambra Internal Revenue Service.
The new system offered by the Group allows taxpayers to make payments electronically, eliminating the need for paper checks and reducing the risk of errors, introducing a more streamlined and efficient tax payment system.
The state government worked to assist those who struggle to pay their taxes, such that under the programme, taxpayers who are facing financial difficulties will be able to work with the state to establish payment plans that are more manageable. It helps struggling taxpayers avoid penalties and interest charges and ultimately avoid falling deeper into debt.
Bigly Oil & Gas Services is one firm out of the partners of AIRS and authorised revenue collectors in Anambra State who are primarily in charge of revenue on haulage.
As a way of reforming touts and their operations in Anambra State, the Bigly group recruited, trained their personnel and educated them on the rules of engagement, including proper dressing for easy identification and distinction from the “regular agbero” who used to operate across the state.
Today, the activities of Bigly Group has made it possible that non of their personnel drink and smoke on duty. Infact, anyone who flouts this rule, is sacked immediately and handed over to the Police for prosecution.
Also, inorder to protect their corporate image, their personnel are trained not to engage in violent acts in the line of duty.
Embarking on quality control in the three Senatorial Districts of the state is equally another way by the group to ensure the delivery of seamless services to ndị Anambra.
The Chairman of Bigly Group, Ichie Kennedy Chimezie Nwankwo said that following Governor Soludo’s directive, the group run their services electronically, though in instances where the haulage vehicle drive doesn’t have his ATM handy, approved government receipts are issued as alternative, which will be ultimately remitted electronically.
“Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Governor did not give us any revenue targets. Governor Chukwuma Soludo only charged us to improve greatly on what we met on ground with serious efforts to ensure the drastic reduction of the number of illegal revenue collectors on the streets and roads across the state.
“In order to forestall illegal collections and impersonation, our front line duty agents wear customized jackets, Bigly branded caps with their ID cards hung around their necks. In the markets and parks, our personnel wears Bigly branded t-shirts and caps equally with their identity cards around their necks.
“I will also use this opportunity to reiterate that Bigly Oil and Gas Services remains committed and focused on improving the internally generated revenue of our great state, Anambra; he added”
Critics have long contended that the tax system in the state is overly complicated and burdensome for taxpayers. Governor Soludo’s reforms aim to address these complaints by simplifying the tax code and making it easier for taxpayers to understand and comply. This is a welcome development that should encourage more people to pay their taxes and reduce the number of audit disputes.
Overall, Governor Soludo’s tax payment reforms, engaging strategic partners like Bigly Group promises to be a powerful tool in promoting greater compliance with tax laws and creating a fairer system for all taxpayers. As these changes continue to be implemented, ndị Anambra can look forward to a more efficient, effective, and responsive tax system that supports widespread financial well-being.