To put a stop to the abuses committed by swindlers posing as those authorized to collect government levies, the government of Enugu State in Nigeria has implemented a system that uses electronic tickets.
Dan Nwomeh, who is in charge of media relations for the state, broke the news to the governor.
The system, which is going to be completely functional by the 11th of August, is going to be called the Enugu State Unified e-Ticket Scheme.
According to Mr. Nwomeh, the objective of the initiative is to simplify and streamline the process of tax and levy payments for carriers. In addition to this, he mentioned that the method will assist in removing the practise of double taxes and the harassment caused by touts all across the state.
In addition to this, he stated that beginning on August 11, the day that the e-ticketing system is scheduled to be implemented, any and all forms of paper tickets will be outlawed throughout the state due to the implementation of e-ticketing. In addition to this, he urged all Enugu transporters operating within the state to obtain their tickets from authorised e-ticketing agents.
A media outlet met with Darlington Mbah, one of tHe stated that the web channels and portals will be disclosed on Friday, November 11, when the system will finally be made available to the public.
He also mentioned that there will be USSD choices available for users who do not have a high level of familiarity with digital abilities in order for them to access digital platforms. Given that the steep geography of the state might occasionally act as a barrier to a robust internet network, this is something that is absolutely important in Enugu state.
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The purpose of the e-tickets in enugu
Although the state government identified the primary reasons for the e-ticket plan as being simplicity and convenience, the elimination of wastage, and the curbing of harassment by touts, the majority of people would be more concerned about the elimination of harassment and touting from the system.
The practise of touting has historically been used as a method of tax collection by governments, particularly at the level of the local government. The levy payments that are made to the local government are those that are collected by these touts. They also collect them for their own benefit, as a significant portion of the generosity they provide does not find its way back into the government’s coffers.
When it comes to collecting these levies, these illegitimate tax collectors frequently resort to harassing and assaulting their targets in order to get what they want. Because of this, the people who they are supposed to serve now view them as their worst foes. Indeed, individuals are already attempting to gain an understanding of how this policy enacted by the state government will be carried out at the level of the local government.
However, it would appear that with this most recent turn of events, the state administration is moving towards the implementation of a single unified system for the collection of all taxes and fees. In fact, the Head of Media to the Governor of Enugu state responded to an inquiry by confirming that this is the case.
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Remarks
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the government of Enugu State, provided more support for this by noting that the administration is convinced that tax and revenue collection must be convenient and friendly via technology while addressing leakages. He also said that the government is committed to eliminating leakages. In addition, he issued a warning that measures would be taken against touts and other scum who were caught extorting transporters.
Professor Onyia said: “Henceforth, anyone caught in the illegal act shall be prosecuted and please be guided accordingly.”