Kogi tax agency rejects claims of improper financial dealings

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service has vehemently denied allegations of financial impropriety and administrative irregularities, labeling them as baseless, misleading, and designed to discredit its leadership, with the Executive Chairman, Dr Salihu Enehe, addressing these claims through the Director of Income Tax, Emmanuel Yusufu.

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Yusufu, speaking on behalf of the management, emphasized that the service operates in accordance with well-defined rules and procedures that guide staff conduct and administrative processes, ensuring a structured and transparent approach to its operations.

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According to Yusufu, the Executive Chairman does not directly investigate erring staff, as this responsibility falls under the purview of the Directorate of Legal Services, which reviews cases of misconduct and provides recommendations to the management, highlighting a clear separation of duties.

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The service, Yusufu stressed, adopts a zero-tolerance stance towards indiscipline, with staff postings and redeployments being carried out as routine administrative measures in line with established policies, rather than at the discretion of any individual, to maintain a fair and structured work environment.

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On the topic of staff development, Yusufu underscored the agency's commitment to continuous training and capacity building, viewing training as a vital component of institutional growth, with several staff members currently enrolled in various professional development programs.

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In response to allegations of revenue diversion, the management categorically denied claims that the Executive Chairman operates personal accounts for state funds, with Yusufu clarifying that all revenue collections are paid into government-approved accounts supervised by the Office of the State Accountant General.

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Yusufu explained that the Service maintains accounts across multiple banks solely for the purpose of facilitating ease of revenue collection, with all funds being remitted directly to the Kogi State Government, and emphasized that the Executive Chairman is not a signatory to any of these accounts, ensuring a transparent and accountable financial process.

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The agency also defended recent office renovations and the procurement of furniture, noting that these upgrades were necessary after over a decade of operation to maintain a conducive working environment, and were carried out in line with standard administrative practices.

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The service condemned the spread of unverified allegations online, describing it as a campaign of cyber defamation, and warned that those responsible would be held accountable under the law for their actions.

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Highlighting its performance, KGIRS disclosed that its monthly revenue generation had increased significantly from just over ₦700 million in 2021 to more than ₦3.5 billion under the current administration, demonstrating a substantial improvement in revenue collection.

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The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved revenue generation, insisting that it would not be swayed from its statutory responsibilities by what it termed as baseless allegations, and would continue to focus on its core objectives.