By Udeme Hosea 

In it’s bid to improve justice delivery in tax matters in the State, the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS)  in collaboration with Akwa Ibom State Judiciary has ended a  3 – day workshop on taxation for selected judiciary officers.

The second batch of the workshop with theme, “Contemporary Issues In Taxation” commenced on Wednesday 14th – Friday 16th August 2024 at Villa Hilton Hotels & Apartment, Uyo with key stakeholders in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Okon Okon thanked participants for availing themselves for the workshop that  is aimed at building their capacity in the area of  taxation.

Mr Okon, who said tax is the only means of generating income for the state announced that, template of tax administration is anchored on laws and policies, added  that, the  training will expose the officers to   knowledge  on how to improve tax adjudication.

“Judges play key roles in interpreting the law and ensuring fairness in the application of tax regulations through the justice delivery system. It is therefore pertinent for the Judiciary to keep abreast with trends in taxation.  I am optimistic that this training will serve that purpose as well as open windows for sharing of knowledge and ideas on how to improve tax adjudication and administration in our State”.

The AKIRS Boss, however said  equipping the judiciary officers with more  knowledge on taxation will  contribute to the development of a friendly tax ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State and appreciated  the State Chief Judge , His Lordship  Honourable Justice Ekaette Obot  for allowing her work force to be part of the training.

In their separate goodwill messages, Hon Uko  Udom, Commissioner for Justice,  Mr Emem  Bob,  Commissioner for Economic Development all commended the Chairman of AKIRS , Mr Okon Okon for his outstanding strides in the Board especially  the improved revenue generation in the state.

Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge,  His Lordship Hon Justice Ekaette Obot  reiterated that,  continuous training of Judges and Magistrates  will aide effective handling of taxation issues, maintained that, the workshop will also equip them  with the necessary tools to arrive at a  better-informed and fair judgments in tax-related cases in their respective  courts.

Highpoint of the workshop was the presentation of an Award of appreciation  by the Chairman of  AKwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service , Mr Okon Okon to the State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Ekaette Obot  for her contribution towards the expansion of tax education in Akwa Ibom State.