Rivers State House of Assembly bans revenue contractors from collecting personal income tax

The Rivers State House of Assembly bans revenue contractors from collecting personal income tax. Governor Wike requested a ban on the services of middlemen or contractors in matters relating to government revenue collection. The move followed a letter from the Governor Nyesom Wike to the House.

On Wednesday, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed a bill prohibiting contractors and private consultants from collecting personal income tax in the state.

The bill was introduced in response to Governor Nyesom Wike’s letter to the House, in which he requested a ban on the use of middlemen or contractors in matters relating to government revenue collection.

The letter, read at the plenary, requested that the state regulations prohibiting the use of contractors or private consultants to collect government revenue be considered and approved.

Members affirmed the request during the debate, stating that its provision was in the best interests of the state.

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Mr. Martin Amaehule, who represents Obio/Akpor State Constituency 1, said the request was in accordance with the state’s laws in his contribution.

“The request we have today is for a regulation in accordance with section 75 of the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue Service law No.12 of 2012 and all other powers enabling the board’s laws.

The most important point in today’s request is that the state’s Board of Internal Revenue Service no longer requires consultants to help with tax collection.

“To allow for accountability and transparency, the board wishes to be the only recognized body in charge of all revenue services,” Amaehule said.

“Whenever regulations regarding the board’s duties are to be made, this section makes it mandatory for the chairman of the board to seek the approval of the state House of Assembly.