Lalong goes on a revenue drive to make way for more projects to be executed

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau state launched a high-powered revenue drive on Thursday, just weeks after signing the newly passed Revenue Law, Property and Land Use Charge Law, as well as the Plateau Geographic Information Systems Law. The goal is to increase the state’s monthly revenue base to about 5 billion monthly.

Governor Lalong, who flagged off the exercise at the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service Headquarters in Jos, said the revenue drive aims to change the state’s income in order to fund more projects and programs that are currently hampered by a lack of funds.

Lalong, who paid his personal property’s ground rent, said he chose to lead by example in order to show citizens that no one is above the law or will be left out of the process.

“I’m not asking citizens to do what I say; I’m asking them to do what I DO,” he said. As required by law, I am not only Governor, but also Chairman of the Plateau State Revenue Council. Leaders, as the saying goes, “lead from the front.” Nobody will default now that I have personally demonstrated this level of civic responsibility as the State’s most important citizen.”

“We are all subject to the law, and those who break it will suffer the consequences. As a result, I expect all citizens, particularly elected and appointed political leaders, to rally behind me and do the same. The time has come for you to lead.”

Governor Lalong stated, “I plead with every citizen, particularly the “big men,” to comply because “I will not entertain anyone begging me to intervene when the law catches up with you.” This is about the law, not about me or anyone else. I’m paying for myself today because I don’t want to beg or embarrass anyone,” he explained.

He explained that he recently signed the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, the Plateau Property and Land Use Charge Law, and the Plateau Geographic 1Information Services Law, among others, all of which are aimed at providing legal support for all revenue-generating activities and improving the tax environment.

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Governor Lalong, on the other hand, warned against default, warning that anyone intending to use some Plateau State Government services will soon be needed to produce proof of tax payment. This is critical because we cannot enjoy or claim rights or benefits without taking responsibility for them.

Dashe, the PSIRS’s Executive Chairman, emphasized that the effort, which includes taxpayer sensitization, awareness creation, and on-the-spot checking of registration licenses and permits, will continue indefinitely.

He urged all stakeholders to perform their civic responsibilities by paying all taxes, levies, fees, and fines freely in order to increase our IGR.