ADDRESS BY RT. HON. (Dr.) ALI AHMAD, HON. SPEAKER KWARA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REVENUE ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT LAW 
ON WEDNESDAY 16TH MARCH, 2016 

COURTESY 

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important Public Hearing.

Please recall that sometimes in June, 2015, towards the end of the 7th legislature, this Hon House passed the Revenue Administration law, 2015 whose operation swung into action immediately after its assent, as a result of which some operational gaps in the law were observed.

The amendments that are being proposed now, I believe came up as a result of these shortcomings and that is why we are all here today, especially you the operators of the law. As experts and observers of the law, you are expected to assist us to examine the various provisions and proposed amendments in order to achieve an acceptable process and smooth passage. 

The amendments being proposed now include amongst others the "powers of the Board to constitute Technical Committees to consider matters that require professional and technical expertise...." 
"Powers of the Kwara State Revenue Court to hear all cases or matters affecting the revenue of the state and of the Local Government Councils in the state..." etc

It is indeed our duty to enact laws for the good governance of this state, but when it comes to revenue laws, no stone should be left unturned at achieving practicable laws.

Please permit me to remind everyone here that the only major source of income available to this state for now, is the Allocation from Federation Account which is now been adversely affected by the ever falling price of crude oil in the international market.

Recently the State Governor came with a request in order to be allowed to take a loan to execute some developmental projects, although it was approved, but the question still remains that for how long can borrowing sustain the state economy?   We are therefore left with no option than to look inwards for revenue if we must face the developmental challenges that are before us in this state, especially in the areas of Education, Health, Water and, Roads etc. 
Looking at it from this perspective. Therefore, the importance of this bill cannot therefore be over emphasized.  I therefore want to once again request you to feel free to make your contributions on the proposed amendments as your contributions and feelings will guide the House in its decisions to pass the amendments or otherwise.

  This Hon. House is highly honoured with your presence.

On this note I have the singular honour to declare the public hearing open.

Thank you and God bless.