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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has bowed to public outcry over the policy that students in tertiary institutions must present tax clearance certificate before they can register, saying it is the right of every child in the state to access education.
The state government had declared that the presentation of parents’ Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) was a mandatory condition for admission into tertiary institutions and students’ registration, a policy that has generated anger and condemnation from parents, students and the civil societies.
Addressing newsmen, yesterday, Chairman, Kogi Board of Internal Revenue Services (KGSIR), Suleiman Enehe, said though school authorities would no longer use TCC as a yardstick to register students in school, taxable adults should ensure they pay their taxes as and when due.
The KGSIR boss who said N35.1 billion has been budgeted as revenue target for this 2025 fiscal year noted that the 27.2 billion target for 2024 was 98 percent successful.
He said the board has put everything in place to ensure this year’s target is met and urged individuals and organisations to pay their tax promptly to enable the government provide durable socio-economic developments.
Enehe frowned at the various illegal road blocks mounted by some people demanding tax from unsuspecting motorists, saying the practice must stop as those caught would face the wrath of the law.
He specifically said 43 people were arrested and prosecuted last year for extorting members of the public through illegal road blocks and called on members of the public to report any culprit to its office or the nearest police station.
