On Monday, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, launched a new digital tax system aimed at eliminating fraud and intermediaries in revenue generation. The system also integrates free medical insurance schemes for all commercial vehicle drivers and riders of Keke (tricycles) and Okada (motorcycles), with the goal of maximizing revenue potential and promoting economic growth in the state.
The Governor, accompanied by senior members of his cabinet, emphasized that the new digital system would simplify tax compliance procedures and encourage formalization of businesses, thereby stimulating investment and job creation. The system aims to remove barriers for businesses, empower entrepreneurs, and block leakages to unlock the true potential of the state’s tax system.
By implementing the digital tax regime, the state aims to ensure that every business, regardless of its size, contributes its fair share to the state’s development projects. The increased revenue is expected to be invested in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other essential sectors, improving the lives of the people of Abia.
The Governor also fulfilled his campaign promise by introducing a free medical insurance scheme as part of the new digital tax payment system, providing affordable healthcare for all segments of society.
The new digital tax system primarily focuses on sanitizing revenue generation in the transport sector and markets. The Permit to Operate Tickets targets those in the transport business, while the Innovative Traders Tax Payment specifically targets traders in market areas. The system promotes transparency, ease of compliance, and the use of digital platforms such as USSD and wallet services for enumeration and payment.
The Permit to Operate Tickets for Transporters offers daily, weekly, and monthly options, eliminating intermediaries and reducing the risk of extortion. The system aims to increase tax compliance, strengthen the ease of doing business in Abia State, and provide a legally defined framework and environment for businesses to operate within.
Overall, the new digital tax system in Abia State aims to enhance revenue collection, promote transparency, and support economic development, while also providing essential healthcare services to the people of the state.
