Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, yesterday inaugurated a 20-man Joint Revenue Committee to promote internal revenue generation in the State.

Inaugurating the committee at Government, Ilorin, the Governor Ahmed noted that the committee was part of the state government's efforts in looking inwards for the enhancement of revenue generation and restructuring in the face of shortfalls in earnings from crude oil sales.

According to him, "the steep drop in revenue from crude oil sales has hampered government capacity to meet obligations to the people, especially infrastructure, portable water, quality education and improved healthcare delivery services among others, to the public.

Our resolve in this regard led to reposition, restructuring and transformation of the internal revenue collection structure in line with our self target". The committee, the governor added, is expected to harmonise the tax administration in the state; deal with revenue matters of common concern to the state and local government authorities; enlighten members of the public on state and local government revenue matters among others.

Gov. Ahmed charged the committee members to work diligently with total commitment and loyalty in bringing about the desired change in the revenue drive, mobilization, generation and collection to the state and local government councils.

The Chairman of the Committee, who is also the chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), Dr Murtala Awodun, said the members would discharge their responsibilities diligently without fear or favour.

Other members of the committee are the chairmen of the 16 local government councils in the state, Alhaji Rasaq Olorunmako of the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Dr Saka Muhammed Olookoba of KWIRS and Mrs Fatimah Folorunsho-Salman, also of KWIRS, who will serve as the secretary of the committee.