The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “the Obio/Akpor of our dream” by changing the narrative in governance and strengthening collaboration with the business community through transparency, innovation, and accountability.The Chairman stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting with business owners and key players across Obio/Akpor, to address challenges of double taxation, illegal revenue collection, and harassment of business owners by touts, while unveiling a new digital revenue framework for the local government.
Gift Worlu described the engagement as a proactive step towards the digitalization of revenue system and the creation of a refined, modern relationship between the local government and businesses in line with contemporary global standards.
According to him, the activities of unauthorized individuals who extort money from business owners in the name of revenue collection have not only deprived the council of legitimate income but have also projected Obio/Akpor Local Government in a negative light.
Speaking on the new revenue system, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu disclosed that business owners will now register on a centralized digital platform that allows them to pay levies conveniently, generate receipts instantly, and receive reminders electronically rather than face harassment.
“Nobody will come to your shop to lock it because you have not paid revenue. Instead, we will engage you and build a relationship that makes compliance easy and transparent,” he assured.
The Chairman further announced incentives for early payment of taxes, including a 10 per cent discount for payments made between January and February, while explaining that penalties for default are designed to encourage responsible tax payment, not to punish business owners.
He also assured stakeholders that his administration is committed to improving ease of doing business by protecting legitimate investments, tackling land grabbing, enhancing security, and ensuring that taxes paid are traceable, accountable, and used for visible development.
In his remarks, Esv. Emma Okas Wike commended the Chairman for the innovative reforms, noting that the council has introduced a fully automated system where demand notices, payments, and receipts are generated online to eliminate forgery and corruption.
He explained that revenue officers will only monitor and verify payments digitally using QR codes and official identification, stressing that no business premises will be locked under the new system.
Also speaking, a representative of Cinfores Ltd. conducted a visual illutration showing participants how to generate demand notices, pay taxes online, and print receipts through the newly introduced platform.
Signed:
Goodluck Nsirim
Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor LGA
Friday, January 16, 2026
