The Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, on Wednesday, unfolded the sharing formula applicable on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between the State government and generating ministries declaring that henceforth, the ministries would keep 20% of what they generate, and remit 80% to the State’s treasury.
Emetu, during a crucial meeting with critical stakeholders on IGR in the State at the Government House, Umuahia, directed the Chairman of Abia Board of Internal Revenue (ABIR) to furnish his office with details of the revenue windows available in the State, including haulage, emblems, special trade permit, daily tickets and enumeration among others.
Similarly, Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Administration and Finance of the various MDAS were requested to forward to his office detailed reports of their transactions.
He described the meeting as a brainstorming session on methodologies of enhancing the revenue profile of the State.
According to him, the present administration’s determination to block all revenue leakages and collection of illegal levies in the State remains sacrosanct, in line with Governor Alex Otti’s zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
Emetu expressed optimism that the meeting will enhance the revenue profile of the State, which will in turn ensure speedy infrastructural development in all the component areas, and make life more meaningful.
He also announced that the lease on the Cattle Market at Umunneochi LGA will be reviewed with all accruing revenue from the market and quarry sites properly harmonized.
The deputy governor further said that the new administration is focused on getting things right, and remove Abia from the financial mess in which it had been plunged over the years.
Responding on behalf of the stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Sir Michael Egwu, who promised that they will comply and make their records available to the government in line with the dawn of a new era currently going on in the State, stressed the need for financial discipline in all facets of the State, for proper functioning.
Permanent Secretaries of the various MDAs, as well as Managements of Board of Internal Revenue made presentations to the deputy governor and top government functionaries present during the meeting.