by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

The Plateau State Government has banned ‘unlawful collection of taxes’ in its 17 Local Government Areas of the State, with immediate effect.

The State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, announced this at the ongoing retreat for newly-inaugurated members of the State Executive Council, Political Appointees, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives of Parastatals, and the Governor’s Direct Reporting Unit Staff holding at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Governor Mutfwang expressed his commitment to “rejuvenating the scholarship scheme,” in order to provide financial support to underprivileged students in the state and ensure they access education without constraints.

While outlined his vision for a transparent and inclusive administration, the governor highlighted plans to conduct regular Town Hall Meetings, saying, “This will offer the opportunity for citizens to comprehend governmental activities and seek clarifications through open discourse.”

He stressed the need for an end to revenue diversions and unlawful tax collections throughout the state, as it is a critical responsibility for the government. 

The governor expressed determination to wield the necessary political influence to reform the revenue structure of the state, and solicited cooperation from those involved in revenue collection.

According to him, roadblocks for revenue collection within the State are unacceptable under the present dispensation, and also conveyed his optimism about revving the Scholarship Board despite financial constraints.

While commending the Ministry of Transportation for facilitating Air Travel connections between Abuja and Jos, as well as Lagos and Jos, Governor Mutfwang also briefed the retreat participants on government’s efforts to reactivate the Railway Line connecting Jos to Bukuru, saying, “It is aimed at providing significant benefits for citizens and stimulate economic growth.”