The Abeokuta South Local Government , Ogun State under the leadership of Hon. Afeez Balogun (BOA) has taken a significant step to enhance safety and improve traffic flow in its jurisdiction, particularly in Kuto Market.
The local government also implemented measures to curb illegal market displays on roads while enforcing prompt payments of revenue to the local government by business owners, hotels and others.
The tax force, led by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Mustapha Kodaolu (MKO), cleared the congested Kuto Market, allowing for free movement of people and also to maintain orderliness in the area and ensure that the local government’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is paid promptly.
The Chairman of the local government Hon. Afeez Balogun popularly known as BOA commended the citizens and businesses owner for their level of compliance, assuring developments in the local government through IGR.
Speaking with newsmen on importance of IGR payments during enforcement exercise, the Council Chairman ably represented by the Secretary of the local government, Hon. Kodaolu emphasised that IGR is crucial for executing projects, which can be seen in recent dug 17 boreholes by the Chairman in different wards, over 1600 solar street lights which have been installed and construction of bridges across the local government area.
He added that IGR is used to fund essential services, and community projects, urging citizens to support Balogun’s vision for betterment of Abeokuta South Local Government.
Kodaolu disclosed that for the purpose of transparency, Balogun has directed that all IGR payments be made directly into the local government’s account, thereby, eliminating cash transactions.
He appealed to the business owners, potential defaulters to comply with IGR payments, emphasising that it is essential for the execution of projects and provision of services.
He said ”Today’s demonstration aims to educate people on the importance of paying their due revenue to the local government. Many of our citizens are aware of Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) but don’t understand its significance. We’ve taken our tax force to Kuto Market to clear the congestion and ensure free movement.
After addressing the market situation, we visited hotels that had been served demand notices for over three months, and most have since complied”
“The message is clear: we will collect IGR from all eligible businesses and individuals. Everyone wants Abeokuta South to thrive, but many aren’t willing to pay their taxes. Our Chairman has achieved remarkable feats in just six to eight months, including constructing 17 boreholes, installing over 1600 solar street lights, and building two bridges. These projects are funded by IGR".
“We’ve taken on the responsibility of providing essential services, including emergency response. Our Chairman is committed to attending to the needs of our communities, but we need the public’s cooperation in paying their IGR”.
“To ensure transparency, the Chairman has directed that all IGR payments be made directly into the local government’s account, eliminating cash policy” he concluded
