Commissioner for Information Pays Courtesy Visit to AIRS Chairman, Advocates Tax Education for Improved Revenue Generation‎‎.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Law Mefor, has called for intensified public education on tax laws and civic responsibility as a strategy for improving revenue generation and supporting the state’s development agenda.‎‎Hon. Mefor made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Mr. Ikeazor Nnaemeka Okonkwo, accompanied by members of his media team.‎‎Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner emphasized the need to adopt a moral and educational approach to tax administration by sensitizing Ndi Anambra on tax laws, the importance of taxation, and the proper channels for tax payment. He noted that tax compliance should not be seen as a burden, especially by those in the informal sector, but rather as a civic obligation that contributes directly to the development of the state.‎‎According to him, there is a need for sustained public enlightenment to help citizens understand that government depends on taxpayers’ support to provide critical infrastructure and social services. He stressed that contrary to popular belief, government resources are limited and require the active participation of citizens through tax compliance.‎‎The Commissioner also highlighted the numerous developmental projects being undertaken across the state by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, particularly in road construction and other critical sectors. He explained that enhanced revenue generation remains essential for sustaining and expanding these projects, as well as realizing the Governor’s vision of transforming Anambra into the “Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley” of Africa.‎‎Hon. Mefor commended Governor Soludo’s intentional and transformational leadership, describing his economic management expertise as a key factor in the progress recorded by the state in recent years. He further advocated stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Information and AIRS to educate residents on the benefits of taxation and encourage the voluntary payment of taxes and levies.‎‎The Commissioner reiterated that through strategic partnership and collaboration between both institutions, a comprehensive media campaign could be developed to educate Ndi Anambra on tax laws, tax obligations, and the role of taxation in driving sustainable development.‎‎Responding, the Chairman of AIRS, Mr. Ikeazor Nnaemeka Okonkwo, thanked the Commissioner and his team for the visit and for acknowledging the developmental strides of the Soludo administration.‎‎Mr. Okonkwo highlighted ongoing efforts by the Service to improve revenue generation through key tax categories, including Direct Assessment, Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Withholding Tax, and the Informal Sector. He reaffirmed AIRS’ commitment to expanding the tax net while maintaining fairness, transparency, and taxpayer convenience.‎‎The AIRS Chairman welcomed the proposed collaboration with the Ministry of Information, stressing the importance of developing effective communication materials and public enlightenment campaigns in both English and Igbo languages. He noted that communicating government policies and tax information in languages familiar to the people would deepen tax awareness, promote voluntary compliance, and strengthen civic responsibility among residents.‎‎In his remarks, the Executive Director, Enforcement and Compliance, Mr. Chuks Edinbus expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for extending a hand of fellowship to the Service. He stated that the partnership would support the achievement of shared objectives, particularly in taxpayer education and public enlightenment. He added that a coordinated media campaign would enhance public understanding of tax obligations and support compliance initiatives across the state.‎‎Also speaking, the Assistant Director, Informal Sector, Dr. Ndubuisi Achebe emphasized the need for continuous collaboration with the Ministry of Information to educate citizens on the importance of taxation. He stressed that such enlightenment efforts would help Ndi Anambra understand the direct relationship between taxes paid and the developmental projects being executed by the Soludo administration.‎‎According to him, when citizens clearly understand how tax revenues are utilized to fund road construction, healthcare, education, security, and other public services, they are more likely to willingly fulfill their tax obligations.‎‎The visit concluded with a mutual commitment by AIRS and the Ministry of Information to strengthen collaboration in promoting tax awareness, encouraging voluntary compliance, and supporting the developmental vision of the Anambra State Government.‎‎‎‎‎

Umeh Onyinye Charity

‎For: Corporate Communication Unit