Assembly summons Kwaghgba, Benue revenue chief, over revenue profile, tax reforms

The Benue State House of Assembly has invited Joseph Kwaghgba, Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), to appear before the Committee of the Whole House and present a comprehensive briefing on the current revenue profile of the State.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Matthew Damkor, APC member from Tiev Division, during plenary on Tuesday in Makurdi, Benue State Capital.

Moving the motion, Damkor said Kwaghgba should also brief lawmakers on the specific techniques, technologies, and strategies being deployed to improve revenue collection, eliminate double taxation, and block revenue leakages across the State.

He noted that IGR remained the bedrock of sustainable development, as it reduced the State’s dependence on allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and provided the financial capacity required to execute critical infrastructure and other developmental projects.

The lawmaker further observed that Benue must maximise its economic potential by blocking revenue leakages and adopting tax administration systems that are efficient, technology-driven, and friendly to taxpayers.

He added that the legislature required accurate information on the state’s current revenue profile, revenue baseline, and projected targets to effectively align budgetary appropriations with fiscal realities.

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Damkor also stressed that modern revenue administration demanded innovative technological solutions, strong enforcement mechanisms, and people-centred policies capable of expanding the tax base without discouraging legitimate businesses or placing unnecessary burdens on citizens.

Seconding the motion, Peter Uche described the proposed appearance of the BIRS Chairman before the House as timely and necessary.

“The briefing would afford lawmakers the opportunity to understand the reforms and initiatives introduced by the agency to improve revenue generation and strengthen public confidence in the state’s tax administration system”, he said.

After deliberations, Alfred Emberga, the Speaker of the House, directed Bem Mela, the Clerk, to communicate the resolution of the Assembly to the Chairman of BIRS, requesting his appearance before the House next week Tuesday.

He said, “We also need to know the short-term and long-term blueprints for expanding the state’s tax net in a manner that would not overburden businesses and citizens.”

The Speaker mandated him to prepare to brief the House on the implementation of the new Presumptive Tax Regime and its expected impact on revenue generation and tax administration in the State.