Vincent Ezenagu
The Ministry of Police Officials, and Internally Generated Revenue Desk Officers in the Police Commands in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are brainstorming in Enugu on the challenges of revenue and how to think outside the box to improve sources of revenue generation in the police ecosystem.
The conference organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs with the theme “Evaluation of Internally Generated Revenue in the Ministry” draws on Desk Officers from Police Commands representing each geo-political zone of the country and facilitators from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) held at the Carlton Swiss Grand Hotels, Enugu.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. James Sule represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Okehie Isaac Tochukwu pointed out that the conference provides another opportunity to examine the impact assessment of the internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
In his words, “By examining our achievements in the past months on the internally generated revenue (IGR) for the police ecosystem and looking at the possible ways to align with the new priority of the present administration on the unification of revenue collection functions into a single agency is significant”.
He revealed that Mr. President has mandated everybody in the revenue generation MDAS to be up and doing to improve the revenue that will form part of the entire federation to tackle developmental projects in the country.
According to him “This conference is essential to this nation as the Ministry of Police Affairs occupies a critical position in the process of improving revenue. We are expected to listen attentively to the experts and learn how to improve on the revenue generation of the Ministry which would benefit the nation”.
He acknowledged a vital role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and sound financial management in the security sector adding that their work ensures that resources are allocated effectively, and their expertise in financial oversight is crucial to the success of policing efforts.
The Permanent Secretary urged them to leverage data intelligence to curb revenue loss and imbibe a culture of professionalism and accountability to improve their revenue drive.
James stressed the need to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability which is paramount to winning the trust and confidence of stakeholders in the country.
Professor Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman who is one of the facilitators at the conference expressed that the economic development and sustainability of any country depends largely on its revenue profile and the capacity to harness the various sources available to it.
He added that the task of generating revenue sufficient to discharge the mandate of governance in Nigeria is quite challenging noting that leadership failure is largely indicated in the numerous challenges of revenue generation and utilization in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olusegun Kayode Egbetokun represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Accounts and Budget, DCP Arotu Pere stated that the Police is not a major revenue agency of the Federal Government but there is a need to articulate revenue base.
He recalled the approval given to the police by the Federal Executive Council on July 14, 2021, for the POLICE SPECIALIZED SERVICES AUTOMATION PROJECT (POSSAP) to look at generating revenue from the Fingerprint, Tinted Glass Permit; VIP Orderly and Escort; Assets/Specie Escort; International Driving Permit; Firearms & Ammunition Licenses; among others.