By Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Determined to find a way to augment the shortfall in revenues accruing to them from the Federation Account, some states gathered in Enugu and considered creative ways to boost their revenue base.

The states, namely Enugu, Rivers, Delta and Lagos as well as the FCT, Abuja at the Enugu meeting received training on resources mobilisation, responsive fiscal governance and participatory budget process for effective service delivery.

In order to generate more revenues from taxation and stem tax avoidance, the states agreed to put systems and strategies in place to ensure that their taxes work for the people, especially the poor.

“We seek tax reforms that promote an ICT database system, fair representation, transparency and progressive tax laws, policies and practices (e.g. tax to service agreements) capable of addressing poverty and inequality,” a resolution issued at the end of the training stated.

In this regard, participating states commended the leadership already shown by Lagos State in this respect. They also recommended the Lagos model to other states.

The states agreed to, as a matter of urgency, work out strategies for improving service delivery by transforming their internal processes and providing exemplary leadership to the people.

They also agreed to develop smart strategies for formalising the informal sector, particularly the non-oil sector.

They called on governments to provide active support to both Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and large industries, especially in the area of value chain development, in order to improve revenue mobilisation and fiscal independence.

Not less than 106 participants from Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) from Enugu, Delta, Lagos and Rivers States attended the training which was organised by Oxfam in conjunction with the Enugu State Government.

freeze001:
How about discussing how to harness long abandoned or under-regulated resources in the various regions for use in those regions? How about demanding a shift from federal high handedness to proper devolution of political and economic power to the regions thereby bringing same closer to the people? What happened to demanding fiscal federalism and ensuring provision for referendum in the constitution so the populace actually have a say? How about cutting down their undeserved emoluments and allowances? Exactly what are th0se opaque 'security votes' for?

They are still talking taxation when we are already victims of multiple taxation excluding harassment from area boys and street urchins. Is that not part of why Nigeria ranks low on the ease of business index? When will these people get real and smell the coffee?

divicode:
flattys, over to you!!

MChaze25:

Mangoes headies over to you