Kwara Government Calls for Improved Tax Compliance

The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has expressed concern over the continued non-compliance of some residents with tax payment obligations, which it says has hindered the achievement of the state’s revenue targets. This concern was raised during a sensitization workshop held on Wednesday in Ilorin.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Tax Compliance through Stakeholder Sensitization and Engagement,” featured a presentation by the Executive Chairman of KWIRS, Shade Omoniyi, who stressed the importance of taxation as the cornerstone of economic development. Omoniyi emphasized that taxes are crucial for the provision of infrastructure, quality healthcare, education, and other public services, and that compliance is essential for the state’s progress.
“Tax compliance has remained a significant hurdle in meeting our revenue targets,” Omoniyi noted. She called for continuous collaboration between the government and taxpayers, stressing the importance of creating an enabling environment where taxpayers feel supported and valued.
Omoniyi urged both businesses and individuals to adhere to tax filing deadlines and to declare all income sources for accurate assessment and payment. She acknowledged the existing gaps in knowledge regarding the new tax reforms, which the workshop aimed to address.
Muhammed Audu, the Head of Corporate Planning at KWIRS, also addressed the challenges of non-compliance, highlighting the risks posed to the government, including pressure, loss of revenue, and mounting debt. Audu warned that the state has the tools and authority to track down tax defaulters, including requesting bank statements for assessment.
“There is no longer a hiding place for tax defaulters in Kwara state,” Audu declared, stressing that non-compliance could lead to legal consequences. He encouraged taxpayers to voluntarily comply and avoid unnecessary penalties.
The workshop was attended by representatives from various sectors, including private industries, small and medium-sized business owners, professional bodies, ministries, civil society organizations, and individual taxpayers. KWIRS officials emphasized that the government is committed to working with stakeholders to improve tax compliance and foster a more prosperous Kwara State.