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.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Mefor made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Mr. Ikeazor Nnaemeka Okonkwo.
In his speech during the visit, Mefor 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.
The Commissioner 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 Mefor, 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.
Chief. Mefor commended Governor Chukwuma 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.
