Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), has assured farmers in the state that they will soon have value for their products.
Executive Chairman of the agency, Mr. Andrew Ayabam gave the assurance to the farmers while responding to a question from a farmer Mr. Maurice Tsav over the many check points on the roads in the state as tax points for collection of monies from farmers evacuating farm produce to the towns or places they can store them.
Tsav posted on his Facebook wall saying “Ayabam, Our Taxes and Levies are developing Individuals, NOT the State. Presently, the Farmer is gaining nothing from his Farm Produce. Check the Roadblocks and
Save the Farmer sir”.
Responding, Ayabam wrote, “This is the sad situation we met on ground. But the good news is that, Governor Samuel Ortom is supporting BIRS to tackle the challenges responsible for the situation that you have highlighted.
“Over 30 persons have so far been arrested for extortion, illegal road blocks etc. Three have been found guilty by the courts & jailed. Some are in prison awaiting trial, some are on bail attending trial.
“We now collect revenues through electronic means via POS or through the banks. We have terminated contracts of 55 agents for non-remittance. These may face prosecution.
“We have renegotiated agents’ fees from, some as high as 70%, down to a maximum of 7%. We are working hard to ensure that the Benue produce price tilts more in favour of the farmer and the masses.”
The chairman called on the masses to always endeavour to give BIRS feedback to help the agency improve on its responsibilities in order to serve the state better assuring that his doors are always open to receiving such feedbacks.
