Lagos abolishes cash payment in revenue collection

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday paid his
Land Use Charge, with an announcement that the State Government
will no longer accept cash payment in revenue collection effective
from March 1, 2018.

Speaking shortly after paying at Opebi branch of Guaranty Trust
Bank in the presence of top management staff of the bank, Governor
Ambode said the measure was aimed at improving on service delivery
to residents of the State and as well block all revenue
leakages.

He said the transaction process in revenue collection has now
been made easy for the people who, according to the Governor, can
now pay every day, any time and online.

“In order to ensure that the government improves on the quality
of service delivery to our people, effective from 1st March, 2018,
no payment or taxes will be made by cash henceforth across the
State.

“Tax payers should be able to pay all legitimate bills through
all payment channels at their own time and convenience. The
transaction process is now going to be every day, anytime and no
weekends.

“We should be able to pay our taxes from any bank, any branch
using webpay, paypoint and USSD, thereby encouraging mobile money
without any contact with government officials. I repeat, every kobo
counts; do not pay into wrong hands anymore,” Governor Ambode
said.

He said in partnership with Interswitch Limited, all the
multi-layer platforms would henceforth be deployed and used by all
government Ministries, Agencies, Parastatals, Associated Companies
and Units.

While explaining the rationale behind his decision to lead the
payment of Land Use Charge, Governor Ambode said the State
Government could not preach and promise prosperity without leading
by example, just as he urged residents and all taxable adults to be
faithful to their civic obligations.

He said: “Today, what we are doing is to back up our talk with
our work. The State Government cannot be promising prosperity in
the future without investing in the future. I have just invested my
quota by paying my Land Use Charge and I ask all residents and
citizens to join me by courageously making a decision for
prosperity and pay all their due taxes.

“Just as I paid, instantly, I received my receipt as evidence of
payment which shows that every kobo I have invested is going
directly to the Lagos State Government account.

“Lagosians, with your full support, there is evidence that every
kobo paid in taxes has been productively utilized in
infrastructural renewal and development of this State in the last
two and half years.

“It is my hope that we have gained your trust and confidence to
move this State forward. For every one kobo you pay as taxes, we
will give greater value and comfort to all citizens without anyone
left behind.”

Besides, the Governor directed all the Local Government Areas
and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State to adjust
their collection machineries to also eliminate all leakages.

“Finally, I appeal to all taxable adults to be patriotic in this
crusade. That flyover or health centre is built from your taxes and
contributions. The facility provided is for everybody irrespective
of tribe, religion or creed. Let us show the rest of Nigerians what
it is to be a proud Lagosian. Perform your civic duties, it is the
right thing to do,” he said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday paid his
Land Use Charge, with an announcement that the State Government
will no longer accept cash payment in revenue collection effective
from March 1, 2018.

Speaking shortly after paying at Opebi branch of Guaranty Trust
Bank in the presence of top management staff of the bank, Governor
Ambode said the measure was aimed at improving on service delivery
to residents of the State and as well block all revenue
leakages.

He said the transaction process in revenue collection has now
been made easy for the people who, according to the Governor, can
now pay every day, any time and online.

“In order to ensure that the government improves on the quality
of service delivery to our people, effective from 1st March, 2018,
no payment or taxes will be made by cash henceforth across the
State.

“Tax payers should be able to pay all legitimate bills through
all payment channels at their own time and convenience. The
transaction process is now going to be every day, anytime and no
weekends.

“We should be able to pay our taxes from any bank, any branch
using webpay, paypoint and USSD, thereby encouraging mobile money
without any contact with government officials. I repeat, every kobo
counts; do not pay into wrong hands anymore,” Governor Ambode
said.

He said in partnership with Interswitch Limited, all the
multi-layer platforms would henceforth be deployed and used by all
government Ministries, Agencies, Parastatals, Associated Companies
and Units.

While explaining the rationale behind his decision to lead the
payment of Land Use Charge, Governor Ambode said the State
Government could not preach and promise prosperity without leading
by example, just as he urged residents and all taxable adults to be
faithful to their civic obligations.

He said: “Today, what we are doing is to back up our talk with
our work. The State Government cannot be promising prosperity in
the future without investing in the future. I have just invested my
quota by paying my Land Use Charge and I ask all residents and
citizens to join me by courageously making a decision for
prosperity and pay all their due taxes.

“Just as I paid, instantly, I received my receipt as evidence of
payment which shows that every kobo I have invested is going
directly to the Lagos State Government account.

“Lagosians, with your full support, there is evidence that every
kobo paid in taxes has been productively utilized in
infrastructural renewal and development of this State in the last
two and half years.

“It is my hope that we have gained your trust and confidence to
move this State forward. For every one kobo you pay as taxes, we
will give greater value and comfort to all citizens without anyone
left behind.”

Besides, the Governor directed all the Local Government Areas
and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State to adjust
their collection machineries to also eliminate all leakages.

“Finally, I appeal to all taxable adults to be patriotic in this
crusade. That flyover or health centre is built from your taxes and
contributions. The facility provided is for everybody irrespective
of tribe, religion or creed. Let us show the rest of Nigerians what
it is to be a proud Lagosian. Perform your civic duties, it is the
right thing to do,” he said.