Ogun Internal Revenue Service's Boss Advocates Digitalization Of Tax System, Says It Promotes Transparency, Honesty

 

Digitalisation has been identified as a key driver of transparency, accountability and honesty in tax administration, while also enhancing efficiency, reducing revenue leakages and strengthening public confidence in the tax system.

Executive Chairman, Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye who stated this, was speaking during a survey interview conducted by a member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mrs. Oluwayemisi Oladipupo, on the perception of the 2026 Tax Reforms, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The introduction of digitalisation according to him, had reduced leakages and corruption to the barest minimum, 

He hinted that the existence of tax reforms was to remove inequality among citizens and lessen the burden on low- income earners, a move that was geared towards encouraging and educating taxpayers to comply adequately.

Represented by the Coordinating Director, OGIRS, Mr. Taiwo Ogundimu, the Chairman expressed concern over the reluctance of some taxpayers to fulfil their civic responsibilities

He noted that prompt compliance with tax obligations would provide the Government with the resources needed to execute developmental projects and improve Public Services.

Olaleye, further noted that the Agency had consistently engaged the media to educate and enlighten taxpayers on the tax payment process

He appealed to NESG for support in the provision of equipment such as laptops, desktop computers, tablets, among others to enhance operational efficiency.

In his response, the Zonal Controller, OGIRS Abeokuta Zone, Mr. Adewale Adelani, emphasised that the tax authority maintained strong collaboration with relevant government institutions, including the Bureau of Urban and Regional Planning (BUPP), the Ministry of Health and the Bureau of Lands among others

He  reiterated that while local governments were responsible for the collection of approved levies, OGIRS remained the statutory authority charged with the collection of taxes in Ogun State.

Also speaking, the Tax Office Manager, Owode -Egba, Mr. Monsuru Lawal, stressed that OGIRS had engaged its staffers in continuous training to deepen their understanding of the new tax reforms, suggesting that the government should make it mandatory for every private organisation to boldly display its business name at its premises

He noted that non-compliance should be considered an offence, as such, this measure would enhance business identification and aid tax compliance.