The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has embarked on an intensified campaign to recoup outstanding tax liabilities across the state, focusing primarily on personal income tax, withholding tax, and consumption tax. This proactive approach underscores the state government’s commitment to bolstering its revenue base and ensuring the effective execution of developmental programs designed to benefit its citizens. The campaign, led by OGIRS Executive Chairman Olugbenga Olaleye, emphasizes the importance of tax compliance as a civic duty and aims to educate taxpayers on the proper procedures for fulfilling their obligations. It represents a concerted effort to not only recover unpaid taxes but also foster a culture of voluntary compliance and enhance public understanding of the crucial role taxes play in funding essential government services and infrastructure projects.
The enforcement drive serves a dual purpose: recovering lost revenue and educating taxpayers about their responsibilities. OGIRS officials have stressed that timely tax remittance is critical for the government to effectively fund development projects and deliver essential services to the populace. By engaging directly with taxpayers, OGIRS hopes to clarify any confusion surrounding tax payment processes and emphasize the connection between tax revenue and the provision of public goods and services. This educational component is seen as vital for fostering a sense of shared responsibility and promoting voluntary compliance, thereby reducing the need for future enforcement actions.
The campaign emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between taxpayers and the government, highlighting the fact that timely tax payments empower the government to execute impactful projects that directly benefit the citizenry. This message is central to OGIRS’s efforts to cultivate a culture of voluntary tax compliance. The agency believes that when taxpayers understand the direct link between their contributions and improvements in their communities, they are more likely to fulfill their tax obligations willingly. This approach aims to shift the perception of tax payment from a burden to a civic responsibility that contributes to the overall well-being of the state and its residents.
The OGIRS team, led by Olaleye and represented by Director of Field Operations Hezekiah Sobayo, has been actively engaging with taxpayers across the state, reiterating the importance of prompt tax payment and explaining the various channels available for fulfilling their obligations. This direct interaction is crucial for addressing any misconceptions or uncertainties that taxpayers might have and for fostering a more transparent and collaborative relationship between the tax authority and the public. By providing clear guidance and support, OGIRS aims to simplify the tax payment process and encourage greater compliance.
Oke-Mosan Tax Office Manager, Adewale Adelani, echoed the message of compliance, emphasizing that it is a statutory responsibility for both OGIRS and the public. This reinforces the idea that tax compliance is not merely a matter of choice but a legal obligation. Adelani’s appeal to taxpayers to make prompt payments underscores the financial constraints faced by the government and the reliance on taxes to fund essential services and development initiatives. Simultaneously, he acknowledged the economic challenges faced by citizens, emphasizing the government’s understanding of their situation. This balanced approach acknowledges the realities faced by both the government and its citizens while reinforcing the importance of tax compliance for the collective good.
Head of Enforcement Tobi Adeyoola emphasized the campaign’s proactive nature, urging individuals to pay their taxes voluntarily rather than waiting for enforcement actions. This approach prioritizes education and voluntary compliance over punitive measures. By encouraging proactive payment, OGIRS aims to reduce the administrative burden associated with enforcement while fostering a more cooperative relationship with taxpayers. This proactive strategy aligns with the broader goal of creating a culture of voluntary compliance, where citizens understand and fulfill their tax obligations without the need for constant enforcement. Ultimately, the campaign’s success hinges on fostering a shared understanding of the vital role taxes play in supporting the state’s development agenda and improving the lives of all its residents.
