Enugu State to reintroduce community Tax to boost development efforts

Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) Executive Chairman, Emmanuel Nnamani, revealed plans to reintroduce community tax during a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Nnamani emphasized the historical significance of community tax, stating that previous administrations had failed to implement it effectively.

He assured that the tax would be affordable, tailored to individual capabilities, and involve traditional rulers and community leaders in planning and implementation.

“We still have community tax but we are going to take it step by step as it is not something we can carry on without involving traditional rulers and President-General of every community in the state. “Government recently appointed the Traditional Ruler’s Council and we are just waiting for their inauguration. “We will open up on that discussion and the tax will not cause fracas between the traditional rulers, President- Generals and the people,” he pledged.

Nnamani highlighted the need for funds to build Smart Schools, Tier two Health Centres, and boreholes, urging citizens to view taxation as crucial for state development.

He cited past taxation efforts, which led to the construction of monumental structures, emphasizing the importance of tax revenue for government projects.

“The last time community tax were collected in Enugu was in the 60s and early 70s but these days they don’t pay tax due to poor implementation.

“It is only in those days when our forefathers paid taxes that we build gigantic structures and companies like ANAMMCO, NigerCem, Niger Gas, Cashew plantations, Presidential Hotel and many others.

“These days, governments do not build such things because they don’t collect the supposed taxes,” Nnamani said.