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The Executive Chairman, of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, (AKIRS) Mr Okon Okon, said the state government is committed to creating a more friendly tax environment to enhance the growth of businesses in the State. 

Mr Okon said tax harmonization and enhancement of the ease of doing business are part of the ongoing initiatives of Governor Umo Eno-led administration. 

He said Governor Umo Eno is interested in tax administration that will strategically enhance the ease of doing business by nano, micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs in the State in line with his ARISE agenda which has the development of NMSMEs as one of its pivots for youth empowerment and economic growth. 

In a media interaction to boost the tax sensitization campaign after a full Board meeting of AKIRS held on Wednesday 1st November, the Executive Chairman disclosed that harmonization of tax administration in the state to eradicate multiple taxation is one of the tax administration initiatives given earnest attention by the His Excellency, the Governor. 
 
He said, "His Excellency the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is taking the issue of a friendly but productive tax environment very seriously. He wants to promote the ease of doing business in Akwa Ibom State. He wants nano, micro, small, and medium-scale entrepreneurs, a segment that is close to his heart to thrive and as well pay their taxes. 

The Chairman, however, clarified that a more friendly tax ecosystem does not mean people and businesses should not pay their taxes, which is the citizens' obligation under the social contract. 

"We want to avoid by any means possible all actions or activities that may lead to multiple taxation or may constitute duplication in taxes. That is what the Governor stands for. 

"It is evident that Pastor Umo Eno's led administration has hit the ground running with numerous projects and programs rolled out in the first few months of this government. 

"Our minimum expectation is that the citizens will respond accordingly by supporting the ongoing ARISE Agenda of this government with their civic obligation of voluntary compliance with payment of taxes.

Mr. Okon who is a member of the ongoing Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms chaired by Mr. Taiwo Oyodele, called on companies operating underground in Akwa Ibom State to honour their tax obligations, emphasizing the determination of the government to go after tax defaulters.  

"While we work to ensure a more friendly tax environment, we will not condone tax evasion from any taxpayer. Those who owe us tax liabilities should pay up to avoid legitimate actions that might be taken against them. Companies that are running underground should honour their tax obligations as at when due so that we can optimize internal revenue generation for the effective running of the government", he added. 

Recall that last week AKIRS enforced dIstrain order on three branches of two commercial banks in Uyo, the State capital over failure to honour their tax obligations. 

Okon said a lot more enforcement orders will be executed against tax defaulters in our efforts to drive compliance.