Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the immediate removal of the tax clearance certificate as a prerequisite for students’ registration in state-owned tertiary institutions.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Salihu Enehe, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lokoja.
Enehe explained that the governor’s directive aims to ease the burden on parents and guardians while encouraging educational pursuits in the state.
“Parents and guardians are no longer required to present a TCC for registering their children and wards in Kogi’s tertiary institutions,” Enehe stated.
“While we have removed this requirement to support education, every taxable citizen must fulfil their civic responsibility by paying taxes to contribute to the state’s development.
“Tax evasion may attract penalties, including fines or imprisonment of up to six months,” he added.
The tax clearance certificate controversy sparked widespread criticism last week after parents were turned away from state-owned universities for failing to provide the document during their children’s registration.
The decision by the Governor followed public outcry, said the administration would not inflict pain and hardship on the citizens but urged citizens to pay their taxes and update their tax payment schedules in the interest of the development of the state.
The KGIRS Chairman said it has started reaching out to tertiary institutions on the directives, noting that despite the stoppage, certain benefits will still be denied to those whose parents did not have records of tax payment.
“His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that no student should be denied registration for not presenting TCC, but that parents and other citizens should pay their tax regularly so that they can benefit from other privileges,” he said.
Speaking on the illegal collection of revenue along federal roads in Kogi State by some youth, the Executive Chairman, said that the revenue service will continue to educate the youth who are fond of indulging in illegal activities, warning that sanctions await whoever is arrested for the offense.
