The Integrated Market Revenue Management System (IMRMS) and Agents of VAT Direct Initiative (VDI Initiative) have been inaugurated in Kogi State with a call on players in the informal sector of the nation’s economy to be ready to contribute to the economic development of the state.
Mallam Zubairu Mustafa, Chairman, VDI Initiative Steering Committee in Kogi State, made the call on Friday in Lokoja while speaking at the commencement of a two-day training and inauguration of Agents of VDI for the state.
He explained that the initiative was a collaboration between the federal government and the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) for the collection and remittance of VAT, using integrated Integrated Market Traders Revenue Management System (IMRMS).
On the other hand, he said the VDI Initiative is to promote awareness on Value Added Tax (VAT) collection and remittance in the informal sector.
Mustafa said the objective of the new initiative is to boost VAT generation for the three tiers of government.
The Chairman said the inauguration of IMRMS and VDI Agents signalled the begining of economic efficiency, transparency and sustainable growth of the state.
Mustafa said the IMRMS was designed to address challenges in revenue collection by leveraging on technology to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency.
According to him, IMRMS will also assist in modernizing and streamlining revenue management in Kogi State.
He stated that VAT Direct Initiative aligns significantly with this vision, focusing on optimizing VAT compliance and collection in a manner that supports the growth of businesses and ensure that resources are utilized for the benefit all.
Mustafa commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State for his support for the programme’s take off in the state.
The Chairman also lauded Ododo for his support for traders and numerous peoples – oriented programmes and policies of his administration since his assumption of office.
Speaking further, Mustafa charged the VDI Agents to see their integration into the system as an opportunity to contribute to the economic transformation of the state.
“You are not only tasked with revenue collection but also with upholding the values of integrity, professionalism, and service to the people,” the Chairman to the VDI Agents.
He stated that the training was to equip them with knowledge and tools to carry out their duties effectively, warning them not to disappoint.
He urged the Agents to be good Ambassadors of MATAN, saying that the effective collection of VAT from over 60 percent of players in the informal sector traders would enable the government to provide more basic amenities in marketplaces across the nation.
The training workshop in Kogi State also featured issuance of Provisional Letters of Appointment to Local Government Project Managers (Trade), underscoring the commitment to the effective implementation of the VAT Direct Initiative.
In his remark, a member of the National Steering Committee of VDI Initiative, Prof. Olakunle Moses Johnson said the idea is not about collection of VAT alone but also to assist traders in their business growth and narrow the gap between government and players in the informal sector of the economy.
He said a digital platform will be created to capture biometric data of traders in the informal sector.
Johnson said this will make it easy for government to monitor business activities and jobs in the informal sector.
He said the creation of the digital platform will enable traders to have easy access to credits, grants and palliatives from the three tiers of government.
The Chairman of MATAN in Kogi State, Alhaji Umar Ndabama and the Iyaloja General of Kogi State, Chief (Mrs) Lydia Abeni Ojongbede in their separate remarks expressed their full support for the taking off of VDI Initiative in the state.
They promised to mobilise all traders across the 21 local government areas of the state to key into the initiative.
Chief Linda Ojongbede said the training of agents signify a promising future for trading in Kogi State.
“With the unequivocal support of the state’s leadership and a unified front among traders, the association is poised to make substantial contributions to the state’s economy.
“The commitment to capacity-building and unity sets the stage for sustainable growth and prosperity among traders in Kogi State,” she added.
In attendance at the event are traditional rulers, national officers of steering committee of VDI Initiative, market leaders and traders from across the 21 local government areas and representatives of the Kogi State government. (vitalnewsngr.com)
