By Gbenga Ojikutu
The Ekiti State Government has announced its intention to commence the collection of Land Use Charge, LUC, in 2024.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said the property tax would not in any way be a serious burden on the residents of the state as it is going to be progressive.
Stakeholders in the state have expressed support for the initiative, pledging their readiness to pay the charge.
They made the pledge at a one day dialogue on Tax for Service in Ekiti State, organised by the New Initiative for Social Development, NISD, in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, in Ado-Ekiti.
The stakeholders, including market women, hoteliers, saw millers, and others, urged the government to remove all bottlenecks affecting their businesses, including multiple taxation.
The Director General, Signage and Advertisement Agency, Mr Bisi Adesua, explained the processes involved in the payment of signage rate and what constituted advertisement in the state.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant, Tax and Revenue Matters, Mr Ayodeji Adarabierin, told the stakeholders that the government wants to make tax payment seamless for the people of the state.
Speaking at the event, Prof Christopher Oluwadare said tax and rates collection should be contingent.
Stressing that there should be justification for tax payment, he urged the government to show transparency and accountability in the process.
At the workshop, the Internal Revenue Service, IRS, Ekiti State, told the gathering that the state IGR has risen above N1 billion.
It was also announced at the event that officials of the state government would meet the newly elected local council chairmen after their swearing in to work out ways to avoid duplication of taxes in the state.
The NISD Programme Officer, Feyisayo Olorunfemi, urged the stakeholders at the event to assist the government to shore up revenue generation in the state
