The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned Joseph Kwaghgba, who heads the Benue Internal Revenue Service, to brief lawmakers on the state's revenue performance. The invitation emerged after Matthew Damkor, an APC legislator representing Tiev Division, sponsored a motion during Tuesday's plenary session in Makurdi.
Damkor told the House that Kwaghgba should detail the methods, tools, and approaches his agency uses to boost tax collection. He said the BIRS chief must also explain how the service plans to stop double taxation and plug financial leaks across Benue.
The lawmaker stressed that internally generated revenue serves as the foundation for development. He noted that strong IGR reduces reliance on federal allocations and gives the state resources to build infrastructure and pursue other projects.
Damkor called on Benue to tap its full economic capacity by closing revenue gaps and adopting modern tax systems. "The legislature needs solid data on our current revenue position, baseline figures, and targets to match spending plans with real financial capacity," he said.
He added that effective tax administration today requires smart technology, tough enforcement, and policies that put people first. According to him, such approaches can widen the tax base without hurting genuine businesses or creating hardship for residents.
Peter Uche, who seconded the motion, called the BIRS chairman's planned appearance both timely and vital. "This briefing lets us grasp what reforms the agency has launched to boost revenue and rebuild public trust in how we manage taxes," he told reporters.
Speaker Alfred Emberga directed Bem Mela, the House Clerk, to notify Kwaghgba of the summons right away. Kwaghgba has been asked to appear before the House on Tuesday of next week.
The Speaker instructed him to come prepared to discuss the government's vision for expanding Benue's tax base without overburdening enterprises and citizens. He also wants details on how the new Presumptive Tax Regime will roll out and what revenue gains the state can expect from the initiative.
