The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service (OYSIRS), Mr. Olufemi Adebowale Awakan, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the recovery of all internal revenue due to Oyo State. He also emphasized the importance of timely tax payments by residents to support the state’s development agenda.
In a recent interview, Awakan outlined his plans to enhance the state’s revenue generation efforts while praising the leadership of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde.
“I commend the Executive Governor, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership in governing Oyo State,” Awakan said. He described Governor Makinde as primus inter pares (first among equals) and lauded his dedication to improving the state. “His commitment to leaving the state better than he met it reflects his deep care for the residents.”
Awakan highlighted the governor’s consistent support since his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the OYSIRS in November 2021. “Since I assumed office, the governor has not interfered in our operations. Instead, he has supported, directed, and motivated us. On my first day, he encouraged me to ‘do the right thing and not increase any tax rate,’ and he has consistently acknowledged the efforts of our team,” he stated.
Challenges and Reforms
Reflecting on the board’s revenue generation challenges, Awakan expressed gratitude to his team and the residents who have fulfilled their civic responsibilities. However, he noted that many individuals still evade tax payments.
Looking ahead, he acknowledged potential challenges stemming from upcoming reforms in the Federal Government’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) policies. He urged affluent members of society to settle their taxes and arrears promptly, particularly from January 2025.
“There will be no room for evasion,” Awakan warned. “We will collaborate closely with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB) to collect all due revenues.”
He assured residents that the board would operate strictly within the law, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other enabling Acts. “Be assured, we will adhere strictly to the law and not impose charges beyond what the law prescribes,” he said.
Call for Cooperation
Awakan appealed to citizens to support the government’s development efforts, noting the significant infrastructural projects and prompt payment of workers’ salaries under Governor Makinde’s administration. “Let us work together with the government. The only option left for the government, if taxes and levies are not paid, is to borrow to fulfill its obligations,” he explained.
He also reminded residents of the penalties for tax evasion, adding that the government would actively pursue defaulters through the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) and the courts.
In his final remarks, Awakan encouraged all citizens to pay their taxes promptly. “PAY YOUR TAX,” he urged, “so the government can fulfill its obligations to the state.”
