By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission has called on the Borno State Internal Revenue Service to devise a means of easing tax payment in the state, noting that many residents pay taxes under difficult economic conditions.

The Resident Commissioner of ICPC overseeing Borno and Yobe states, Mr. Linus Gubbi, made the appeal on Thursday during a sensitization workshop for staff of the organisation in Maiduguri.

According to him, the staff of the organisation must imbibe discipline and adhere strictly to professionalism so that taxpayers will feel the impact of their taxes.

He said “Borno state, like the rest of Nigeria, is at a critical juncture. Our people are recovering from years of insecurity, displacement, and underdevelopment. The government needs resources to provide security, rebuild infrastructure, support livelihoods, improve education and healthcare, and give our youths hope. Those resources depend heavily on revenue generation, and that makes each of you central to the state’s future”.

“Your work is therefore not just about taxes, levies, and rates, but about trust. It is about whether citizens can believe their government and its institutions. It is about whether businesses feel confident to invest. It is about whether the poor and vulnerable receive the services they deserve” he added.

Linus stated that, with the current economic situation of the country, deliberate efforts must be made towards assuring the people that they can be confident in the government.

“Many citizens are paying their taxes under difficult economic conditions. Some are traders struggling to survive, farmers recovering from displacements, civil servants on modest salaries, and businesses trying to stay afloat. They must be assured that every naira they contribute is handled with honesty and deligence” he noted.

The ICPC boss called for greater accountability and transparency in the system, while urging the staff to avoid illegal activities.

“Let me end with concrete call to action for all of us: Renew your personal commitment to honesty and professionalism, refuse any form of bribe, kickback, or illegal gratification, treat taxpayers with fairness, courtesy, and respect, use official channels only; avoid informal arrangements, report corruption” he stressed.

Responding, the Director, Administration and Supply, Borno state Internal Revenue Service, Ali Umar commended the agency, describing the session as a timely reminder for staff on their roles and obligations.

“What we have heard here, we will spread the information to our subordinates to be careful of the dangers of corruption in our organisation” he stated.

He assured the commission that the organisation had put necessary measures in place to prevent corruption in the system.

“The revenue collection in Borno state is e-collection. No tax administrator is allowed to collect cash. Everything is through an electronic system. Corruption here is minimal” he said.