The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has urged hisvpersonnel to brace up to generate appreciable revenue especially now that other revenue sources have been affected by COVID-19 outbreak.
The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr Muhammad Nami gave the charge at a retreat organised for its tax operations group in Abuja on Monday.
He urged the staff to take up the challenge and justify the confidence the country had reposed in them, especially at this critical time when virtually all the other sources of revenue for Government were being challenged by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Muhammad explained that the downward slide in the price of oil at the International Market for as low as 30 dollars per barrel against 57 dollars benchmark used for the budget was worrisome.
“This gap has to be bridged somehow, and you are that bridge. Therefore, at the end of this retreat, I expect you to go back to your respective stations with the work plans and a renewed determination to face this challenge squarely.
“I assure you very strongly that this administration will always support you all the way. I want you to also note that this administration is mindful of your welfare as well as conscious of your need for necessary tools and facilities to enhance your work.
“We shall not relent in providing the right environment for you to succeed. That is why since I came on board, I have taken the following decisions to facilitate your delivery on the job.
“We reverted certain authorisation domiciled at Headquarters to you for instance, utilisation of credit notes, Operational letters, issuance of TCCs to mention a few.
“Examination of account has also been restored as well as proper segmentation in tax Administration consistent with global best practices was reinstated
“When the Federal Government set the N8.5 trillion target, it must have realised that we are equal to the task. As hub of the operations of the service, you are therefore, expected to deliver the bulk of the Target while the other groups support you.”
Nami said that the retreat essentially provided the opportunity to inform the group the goals and objectives for the year which were earlier agreed upon at the Corporate Retreat of the Service. (NAN)
