From: LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin
Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), Dr. Muritala Awodun, on Wednesday, said that the service has raked into the government’s coffers about N6.6 billion in the first quarter of the year, representing 100 percent increase over that of last year.
Awodun, speaking at the quarterly media interaction with journalists in Ilorin Wednesday said the huge turnover was as a result of the successful collaborations with the stakeholders by the government early in the year.
He however said that larger chunk of the money N2.1billion was used by the government to augment the payments of workers salaries because the federal allocations were grossly insufficient.
Awodun also assured that other infrastructures such as roads, water and energy which has direct impact on the people would also be attended to as soon as possible.
He similarly said that N100 million was generated for local governments by KW-IRS in three months, an amount the local government generated in a year before KW-IRS took over.
Awodun however dismissed allegations of frauds and irregularities in the disbursement of the funds to local government, saying that the amount used to be transparently disbursed after meeting with the stakeholders.
He also clarified that the 5- year tax holiday declared by the governor is not yet in force and not for everybody as it must be applied for and approved for the intending beneficiaries before it could be enjoyed by anybody.
Awodun further said that modalities for its operation are being worked out,adding that it would be available for the stakeholder by the end of second quarter.