● Ferdy Agu
The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESiRS) on Thursday organized a one-day stakeholders’ capacity-building program on annual tax filing and public enlightenment. The training, held at the Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of tax filing principles, procedures, and best practices to improve service delivery.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of ESiRS, Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, represented by the Director of Administration and Supply (DAS), Nwabueze Chukwude, underscored the importance of the program. He urged participants to be open and receptive to the knowledge shared, emphasizing its potential to transform tax administration in the state.
“Annual tax filing by relevant government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local government councils, and higher institutions is crucial for ensuring accurate data collation of government income. This practice ensures precision in tax calculations and enables authorities to collect the correct amount of taxes,” Mr. Nnamani stated.
Highlighting the significance of the training, he noted, “This critical aspect of tax administration has been grossly neglected or misapplied in the past. Today, we are here to address these gaps through an engaging and impactful capacity-building session.”
Participants at the one-day stakeholders’ capacity-building program in Enugu
The program featured renowned facilitators, both external and internal, who delivered insightful presentations. Among the external facilitators were Student SWOT Associates, who spoke on the importance of annual tax filing, and Norlics Digital Service, who detailed the filing processes. Internal facilitators included Mr. Alex Nnamani, Head of the ICT Unit, and Mr. Chidi Ngene, Head of the Compliance Unit, who addressed filing and payment processes, respectively.
Participants lauded the ESiRS for organizing the session, describing it as a transformative experience. Felicia Eneje, one of the attendees, expressed her appreciation, saying, “The resource persons were really wonderful, and I, alongside other participants, gained a lot from the training. The knowledge shared will definitely enhance our professional growth.”
Dr. Perpetual Okuamaka Nweke, the Bursar of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, and a Chartered Accountant, commended the facilitators for their detailed explanations. “They clearly addressed filing steps, including the critical aspects of filing dates, limitations, and the penalties for non-compliance. This has filled a knowledge gap for many of us,” she said.
Benjamin Chibuzondu, another participant, remarked, “We have been equipped with the right information, which will enable us to disseminate accurate knowledge to the public. This program is a step in the right direction for fostering a culture of tax compliance.”
The training also served as a platform for participants to unlearn outdated methods of tax administration and embrace innovative approaches. The Executive Chairman emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a dynamic field like tax administration.
Participants expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would lead to significant improvements in their roles, ensuring better compliance and efficiency in tax administration across the state. The ESiRS reaffirmed its commitment to organizing similar programs in the future to keep stakeholders informed and equipped for effective service delivery. GMTNewsng
