The Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti, Mr Bayo Omojola, has warned revenue collection officers against diverting government funds into private accounts.
Omojola gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ikole-Ekiti, urging revenue collectors to be fair, transparent and trustworthy in the discharge of their duties.
He said traders had complained about double taxation and failure by some revenue officers to issue evidence of payment despite the difficult economic situation.
The council chairman explained that revenue generated by the local government was used to provide social amenities and infrastructure across communities in the area.
Omojola warned that his administration would not tolerate the overcharging of business owners struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
He also urged council staff involved in fraudulent practices or dereliction of duty to desist and comply strictly with regulations guiding revenue collection.
“I want to urge the council’s revenue collectors to be transparent, fair and trustworthy. We are representing the interests of our people, and we must give priority to their welfare and development.
“My office is open to complaints from business owners, traders and shop owners in our communities. I want to assure them that their complaints will be attended to promptly.
“Any revenue collector caught overcharging or diverting council funds will be suspended and punished,” he said.
