Bauchi Govt. Signs Executive Bill To Harmonise Tax System

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Wednesday, signed into law, an executive bill to harmonize, integrate and consolidate all revenues collectible by ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and Local Governments and other connected purposes in the state. 

At the singing ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Government House Bauchi, the Governor pledged full implementation of the law to ensure tax collections are conducted in a viable and durable process. 

The Governor explained that the bill will strengthen internally generated revenue (IGR), accountability and transparency in addition to creating one common basket for tax collections thereby blocking sharp practices in the policy.

He said the state government will come up with a process of legal and legislative reform to promote good governance, IGR collections and ease of doing business. 

"I am highly delighted to once again assent to an executive bill recently sent to the State House of Assembly for passage to harmonise our tax system."

"Our process of tax and levies are updated which created opportunity for corruption and mismanagement of resources with no economic value attached over the years."

"We will leverage under this law to deploy technology and other best practice to ensure our revenue is in compliance with modern tools and World Bank standards to reduce over dependence onmation account."

Governor Bala Mohammed said with the singing of the bill, his administration will improve on revenue generation for the execution of meaningful projects beneficial to the citizens of the state. 

"The Executive and Legislature in Bauchi state are connected to make sure they provide development to various communities in the state, and I thank our lawmakers for their synergy with us."

Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman said the house has deliberated before the passage of the bill.

The Speaker applauded the state government for its partnership with the lawmakers aimed at improving the living standards of the citizenry.

"Your Excellency, we are here today to present you the bill you sent to us, the honorable House has deliberated on the bill and is ready for assent." 

"We commend His Excellency for the cooperation and support to the Assembly in performing its constitutional duties, we will always support you as far as you are in the right track."