Rivers To Amend RIRS Law To Boost Revenue

Mr Albert of Agip Oil Company,(left), leading Chairman and member of Ad.hoc committee of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Israel Nguelo (middle),and Hon Abinye B. Pepple (right), during the visit of the committee to NAOC at Ebocha in Onelga, last Monday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

The Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Fred Kpakol, has stated that the laws establishing the Rivers State Internal Revnue, Service (RIRS) would be amended to enhance efficiency.
According to the Commissioner, the amendment would address the apparent organizational crisis in the agency to improve the internally generated revenue base of the state.
The Commissioner stated this at the Corporate Head of Office of RIRS at William Jumbo Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, during a meeting with staff and management of the agency.
Kpakol disclosed that the amendment of the old law would check some flaws and other contentious issues such as the vesting of absolute powers on the Chairman of the board, who doubles as the Administration Head of the RIRS.
Kpakol, who said he was a technocrat and grassroots politician added that his mandate was to grow the revenue base of Rivers State to address the huge development challenges in the state.
He cautioned the staff against institutional sabotage and indolence, pointing out that excellence would not be sacrificed at the expense of mediocrity, as staff would be duely motivated for efficient service delivery.
The Commissioner also announced the change from Skye Bank to Access Bank as the operational bank for revenue services in the state, and emphasised that sharp practices would no longer be condoned.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board, Mrs Osila Onene Obele Shoko had thanked the Commissioner for the visit, and stated that the meeting would help in giving a better sense of direction to the agency.
In his vote of thanks, the Director of Administration, Austin Ntorue, also thanked the Commissioner for the meeting, and assured the commitment of staff to meet set goals.
 

Taneh Beemene