The Ondo State Government has concluded arrangements to deploy a digital platform to streamline the collection of taxes and other government-related payments.
This is coming on the heels of a working agreement between the state government through the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service and a consulting firm, BBA Consult Ltd.
Speaking after a demonstration meeting with the firm at the Governor’s office in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving revenue collection through innovation.
He stated that the new platform would not only make tax payment easier but also significantly enhance revenue generation for the State.
By leveraging this system, the Governor added, the government aims to curb leakages, improve compliance, and create a more accountable tax structure.
The governor further noted that increased revenue from this initiative would be channelled into critical infrastructural development across the state.
According to him, with a more efficient tax and payment system that blocks leakages, the government will have the financial capacity to invest in roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and other essential public services.
He also called on residents and businesses to embrace the new digital platform, assuring them of its security, ease of use, and long-term benefits for the state’s economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of BBA Consult Limited, the Director, Maryam Abisola, explained that every taxpayer in Ondo State will now have a unique taxpayer ID linked to their personal profile, which includes essential details such as phone number, address and age.
She emphasised that these records would remain confidential and accessible only to the individual taxpayer.
Abisola further elaborated on the platform’s functionality, detailing how it simplifies tax payments and other financial transactions for the peolple and the government.
According to her, the digital system is designed to eliminate bottlenecks associated with manual payments, ensuring seamless transactions across various sectors.
During the live demonstration, the consultant showcased how the governor, as the first registered taxpayer on the platform, could seamlessly generate and pay his annual tax bill.
The system allows users to select the government agency they are paying to and choose from multiple payment options, including card payments, bank transfers, USSD codes, or in-person payments at designated banks.
After completing a transaction, taxpayers can download receipts with unique verification codes, which tax officials can authenticate via the platform.
Beyond tax payments, the platform also serves as a one-stop shop for various government-related payments.
Residents can process transactions related to commerce and industry, land and housing, billboard advertising, hospital management, natural resources, and education fees.
The consultant described it as an all-inclusive platform that consolidates multiple payment processes into a single, user-friendly system.
Those present at the demonstration included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taye Fasoranti; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac; Attorney General and Commisoner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN and the Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan.
