Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has given the newly inaugurated 11-member Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Board (BSIRB) a monthly target of N600 million as against the previous N500 million.
He stressed the need for BSIRB to increase the revenue base of the South-South state, saying it has become imperative because of the economic challenges facing the state.
Dickson advised members of the Board to work as a team and ensure that companies, business places and the informal sectors pay their taxes as and when due.
The governor warned members not to be involved in shady deals as government would not tolerate such unwholesome acts.
He added that his Special Adviser on Revenue Matters would sit with the Board on a daily basis.
Dickson said: “The task before you is very serious because the Federal allocation to the state is very low. As you know, our internally generated revenue is also low and for any state to develop, it needs robust Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“Government is going to send a bill to the House of Assembly to introduce laws and policies that will improve the revenue profile of the state as the Special Adviser on Treasury and Accounts will supervise your activities.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Nimibofa Ayawei, expressed the commitment of the members to work and improve on the internal revenue profile of the state.
Other members of the board include Mr. Godwin Ebikifa (Secretary), Executive Directors; Mr. Anthony, Joseph Freeman Isowo, Louis Stephen while Chief Sunday Omekwe, Chief L.D. Alfred, Barr. Ebi Ikiotene Mr. Anthony Ikobho, and Barr. Mrs. Zougha Igborodi will serve as secretary.
Meanwhile, Dickson has also inaugurated an 11-member Board of the Centre for Women Development (CWD).
CWD, which has Naomi Ogoli as its Director-General, also has Mrs. Kpeseme Willson as Deputy Director-General.
It has eight coordinators for the local government areas.
