The Enugu State Government has warned against individuals sabotaging the efforts of the state in realizing its set objectives in boosting the economy of the state through internally generated revenue (IGR). 

This warning was issued on Monday by the Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, during the strategic session with all the Assessment Authorities (AAs) and the e-ticket agents across the state at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu. 

According to him, the state has adopted the e-ticket system as its only method of revenue collection but some agents were still sabotaging the government by engaging in a manual ticketing system which is now illegal, stressing that anyone caught practicing the manual ticket collection will be arrested and prosecuted by the government. 

Speaking on what he described as a ‘Disruptive Year for Enugu’s Revenue', Nnamani insisted that it is the duty of everyone working in the state to contribute towards the development of the state. He said the state is unrelenting in ensuring that the e-ticket system gets to those in urban and suburban areas to enable everyone contribute effectively towards the state's development. 

He charged the agents to ensure that everywhere gets covered concerning the e-ticketing collection and also to collaborate effectively with the Assessment Authorities (AAs) in the cause of their duties, warning that no agent should dampen the efforts of any tax official, as they are all working together to ensure that the vision of the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to finance bulk of the N521.5bn Enugu 2024 budget through the internally generated revenue is achieved. 

"This strategic session is very critical because this is a year that we want to ramp up all our e-ticketing platform collections. This engagement is very necessary because we want to cover all the areas we are supposed to cover. We noticed some mistakes in what they do, so, we want to correct those mistakes and issue a stern warning against those who think they can divert the system and go about collecting money illegally.

“So, we will never leave any room for lapses. The state has also adopted a whistle-blowing technique against those doing illegal revenue collections in the state and anyone caught sabotaging the government shall be prosecuted. The Governor has made it clear to all that it is business unusual. Gone are the days when people think they can divert public money into their private purse," the chairman said. 

Nnamani explained that market shops and street shops are to pay a total sum of N21,000 yearly and the payment covers a whole lot of other levies like business premises, local government, union dues, ESWAMA, etc., while those in the transport system will pay daily and their payments depend on the size of their vehicles. 

He further admonished the residents of Enugu State to cooperate with the agents to enable the government to source funds that would be used to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.