A training programme on registration and distribution of the new Integrated Billing System, introduced by Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), for improved revenue collection in the state, has commenced.
The training, which kicked off at the AIRS Headquarters, Awka, was attended by a team of Community Revenue Officers (CROs) and officials from Ministry of Trade and Commerce, the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSA), Business Premises and Fire Service.
The Integrated Billing System is an innovation that harmonizes all billings payable to the state government, including ASWAMA, Business Premises, ANSSA, Fire Service Compliance billings.
According to the Chairman, Dr David Nzekwu, the training will be in batches to enable the trainees to know what is expected of them, in driving the initiative.
`The training will formerly integrate all staff members of Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved, for effective and optimum revenue collections with regards to the newly created automated billing system. We have received reports of all manner of multiple taxation and billings and this initiative was evolved to address those challenges,” Nzekwu said.
He further said plans are underway to generate sufficient data on taxable entities in the state and this will make the job of mobilizing the payments less cumbersome.
“The AIRS is co-opting staff from line Ministries in this drive because our manpower is not enough. The governor, Chief Willie Obiano has also graciously approved the engagement of 200 community revenue officers to take over the responsibility of mobilizing revenue from the respective communities they are assigned. Ultimately, we are looking at a situation where we will be sending people their bills electronically but we need to first enumerate these people. That is why the Anambra Social Security Identification Number (ANSSID) was initiated to help us gather sufficient data,” Nzekwu emphasized.
