By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: A keynote address at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2023 Convention and Lecture series has highlighted the critical role of corruption in hindering Nigeria’s economic growth.
Dr. (Mrs) Doris Amaka Ochei, the Guest Lecturer, emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption on tax collection, asserting that it breeds distrust among residents regarding the proper utilization of their taxes.
Dr. Ochei, Founder and President of the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation, elucidated, “Strengthening public financial management and ensuring transparent, accountable public spending will foster trust in the system, enhancing compliance and revenue collection.”
The discussion, chaired by Chief (Dr) Samuel Eshenake, Secretary of the Uvwie Chieftaincy Council, included luminaries like Hon. (Barr) Bridget Anyafulu, a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, and Dr. Frank Nwugo, Director of Operations at the Delta State Inland Revenue Services (DSIR).
Dr. Ochei highlighted the delicate balance required between government spending and taxation. She outlined, “While increased government spending can fuel economic growth, excessive taxation can impede it by reducing purchasing power, leading to unemployment and reduced economic activity.”
Guests at the High Table During the DOPF 4th Lecture Series 2023
She proposed that judicious fiscal policy could restore confidence in the government and urged a balance between revenue generation and economic growth.
The discussion delved into key points, emphasizing the need for Delta State’s government to:
Exercise caution with debt and deficits
Ensure equity and fairness in taxation
Provide incentives for investment
Prioritize budget allocation in pivotal sectors like education and infrastructure
Address income inequality
Adapt fiscal policies to economic cycles
She emphasised the importance of expanding the tax net without overburdening existing taxpayers. She stressed the significance of using revenue productively, advocating for transparent, efficient, and accountable tax collection processes.
Furthermore, she highlighted the imperative role of technology in enhancing revenue generation and expanding the tax base. Dr. Ochei underscored the necessity of bringing the informal economy and agriculture into the tax system and combating corruption in revenue collection.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State in his address stated the direction of his government, pointing out that the execution of the three flyover bridges in Warri is an expression of his administration’s readiness to carry out massive development across the State and improve its economic base.
Represented by the Functional Permanent Secretary, Ministry Information, Mr. Lucky Omokri, Governor Oborevwori noted that as the government carries out development programmes and projects across the state, Deltans will be encouraged to pay their taxes, and will be happy at the usage of the funds.
He said that in his commitment to his MORE Agenda he would be focusing more on tax from landed properties and other big economic ventures in the state just as the government will continue to provide peace and security for all businesses and residents.
Guest Discussants at the DOPF 4th Lecture Series, 2023
Also speaking one of the guest discussants, Executive Director of Operations at the Delta State Internal Revenue Services, Dr (Barr) Frank Nwugo, revealed plans to significantly increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to N12 Billion monthly in 2024. He highlighted the state government’s efforts towards digitalizing revenue operations and urged prominent Deltans to invest in the state, assuring government support for investors.
Hon. (Barr) Bridget Anyafulu emphasized the necessity for training and retraining revenue collection consultants to curb corruption within the system, stressing that effective training could mitigate underhanded practices.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Delta Online Publishers Forum, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, said the choice of this year’s theme: Fiscal Policy And Taxation – Balancing Revenue Generation And Economic Growth” aligns with the Forum’s commitment to contribute significantly to the Country’s development, through the prism of economic policies and their practical implementations.
He posited that economic growth hinges on investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and innovation, noting that all demands substantial funding, which is why as a media organisation, DOPF decided to play pivotal roles in shaping public discourse and awareness; foster comprehensive dialogue on these intricate matters, translating complex fiscal policies into understandable information for the public.
Speaking to newsmen after the lecture series, Executive Assistant on Communication and Orientation to Delta State Governor, Dr (Barr) Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, described the organisers, DOPF as partners in progress with the state government, a relationship that will continue to grow, and be beneficial to all concerned.
He noted that Online publishers in the state have consistently maintained high ethical standards and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned responsibilities as members of the fourth estate of the realm, adding some members of the group worked vigorously with the State Directorate of PDP Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections; reporting and publishing news items and articles that helped to project the MORE agenda of governor Oborevwori to Deltans and eligible voters.
Oghenesivbe assured that Governor Oborevwori’s administration shall continue to effectively balance revenue generation with economic growth, as can be seen from the quality of infrastructure projects that is ongoing across the three senatorial districts, wherein for the first time in the history of Delta State, construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was engaged to construct three flyovers and road expansion projects as a true reflection of good governance.
