Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has inaugurated a new board for the Internal Revenue Service with a call on members to explore ways of increasing the revenue profile of the state to fast-track development.
The board has Okon Okon as Chairman, Ekemesit Ekpro Secretary, Nse Atang, Hon. Ekere Afia and Leo Umana, as members.
Other members include representatives of Ministry of Economic Development, Lands and Town Planning, Investment, Commerce and Industry, Justice and Ministry of Transport as well as two staff members in the rank of a director from the board of Internal Revenue.
Speaking , the governor told the board members to beam the search light on Oil Companies operating in the state territorial waters decrying the outcry over the proposed introduction of property tax in the state.
According to him, those who criticise the proposed law do pay such levies to other States but refuse to comply with the home government.
Meanwhile the construction of two international markets are commence in the state soon.
The markets which are to be located in Eket and Ikot Ekpene are to be undertaken by Chinese firms.
The leader of the Chinese group , Jang who expressed readiness to collaborate with Akwa Ibom State government in its development programmes when it met with the governor said they were happy to be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state assuring of quality service delivery.
Speaking, Governor Udom Emmanuel thanked the companies in their decision to partner with the state in the various aspects of industrialisation and other development programmes and assured them of safety, adequate legislation and conducive operational environment for the project execution.
“I am glad to hear that you are commencing operations on the construction by first week of May and I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth take-off”.
” Be rest assured that those things needed to allow you invest and make profit are in place. We ‘ve already promulgated laws to support and protect your businesses, provide adequate security for your safety. As much as we can, we’ ll develop infrastructure to provide market for your investment.”
The Governor who said that the technical committee on Foreign Direct Investment has been mandated to attract investors and provide enabling environment for them to operate indicated that everything would be put in place to facilitate the commencement of the project by the end of May as promised by the Chinese firm.
He said that the Certificate of Occupancy for Eket project would be ready by the end of April and appealed to the construction company to expedite action on the project execution adding that the state looks forward to commencement of commercial operations in the market by September 23 when the state will be celebrating her 30 years of its creation.
