Amaechi Urges Oil, Gas Free Zone Workers To Pay Tax

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has called on the Board and Management of Federal Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, to put machineries in motion to ensure that workers of the agency pay their Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes to the state government.

Governor Amaechi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, made this call last Monday  when a delegation of the federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, led by its Minister, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye and Board members of the Federal Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, paid him a visit in Government House, Port Harocurt.

The state chief executive said although the organizations working under the umbrella of the Oil and Gas Free Zone were not expected to pay taxes, their members of staff were required to pay their personal income taxes (PAYE) to the state government, noting that their compliance to this request would go a long way to sustaining the collaboration existing between the state and the federal agency.

Governor Amaechi, who assured of lasting peace in Port Harcourt and its environs, regretted the infiltration of kidnappers and hoodlums along the Abia State boarders of the state, saying the government has stepped up action to curb the activities of the miscreants.

He reiterated the positive achievements of  Nigeria for the past 50 years, disclosing that the state government has declared free education and free healthcare services to all residents of the state.

Earlier, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye said they were in the state to assess the impact of the Oil and Gas Free Zone services on the people of the state, disclosing that the federal government intends to float another “edifice” in the state which would serve it and the country.

He commended Governor Amaechi and his deputy for their brilliant performance in governance, appealing for their continued support enabling the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority to achieve its set goals.