Israel Egbunefu, the executive chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), has shared his experience of leading the agency for over a year. With a background in the system, Egbunefu has introduced reforms to drive revenue growth and digitize processes. His efforts have resulted in a significant increase in revenue and a growing tax base. Egbunefu's experience in various directorates and the State Ministry of Budget has prepared him for the role.
Under Egbunefu's leadership, RIRS has focused on staff motivation and training to drive change and adapt to new tax reforms. The agency has digitized its processes, minimizing leakages and increasing compliance. Over 200 companies that were not complying with tax regulations have been recorded, and the agency is aggressively pursuing compliance. Egbunefu emphasizes that broadening the tax base does not mean increasing taxes, but rather bringing more people into the tax net.
The RIRS has achieved an impressive result in growing the tax base, with many more people complying with tax regulations. Egbunefu attributes this success to the change in leadership and the agency's efforts to ensure that people understand the importance of tax compliance. Voluntary compliance has started to evolve, and the agency is determined to sustain this growth over time.
Egbunefu's goal for the RIRS is to create a sustainable and world-class institution with well-trained staff and entrenched processes. He aims to leave a legacy where the revenue profile of the state continues to grow, even after his tenure ends. The agency's efforts are geared towards ensuring that the reforms put in place become sustainable over time.
The chairman of RIRS highlights the importance of commensurate performance from the government in terms of infrastructure. He encourages residents of Rivers State who have been complying with their tax obligations to appreciate the efforts of the government and continue to sustain their commitment. Egbunefu emphasizes that every little effort the government makes should be appreciated and encouraged.
Egbunefu notes that the current administration has not taken any loans, relying on the contributions of taxpayers to execute projects. He encourages people to play their civic role and discharge their civic responsibilities to encourage the government to deliver on its projects. The government is also interested in giving back to the people who make these contributions.
The RIRS chairman concludes by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and taxpayers. He encourages people to make efforts to contribute to the state's revenue, which will motivate the government to do more. The governor's project commissioning programmes have demonstrated that projects are being spread across local government areas, making people happy and encouraging them to do more.
Key points
- The Rivers State Internal Revenue Service has achieved growth in revenue generation through reforms and digitization of processes.
- The agency has grown the tax base by bringing more people into the tax net and increasing compliance.
- The RIRS aims to create a sustainable and world-class institution with well-trained staff and entrenched processes.
