By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State Governor, Senator. Monday Okpevbolo, has approved the appointment of Atalakpe Recovery Company Ltd as a consultant to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service. EIRS.
The company is expected to provide enforcement services to assist the Edo EIRS.
Atelekpe Recovery Company Ltd is reportedly owned by the Edo APC Youth Leader, Mr. Tony Kabaka.
Details regarding the contract remain unclear, particularly concerning whether it is performance-based or involves percentage accruals against collections.
The approval letter from the governor was signed by Otunba Bankole Balogun, the executive chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Board.
The contract specifies that Atelekpe Recovery Company Ltd should applies professional approach in enforcement which should be devoid of any rancour or public outrage.
The letter also indicates that the engagement will be target-based, aiming for an increase in revenue collection and remittance.
It’s further stated that the initial appointment will last three months, with the possibility of renewal.
The state governor, senator Monday Okpeholo had at different fora objected to the use of private companies or consultants by state agencies.
However, it seems the government has reversed its position .
The state government might be modelling the approach on a previous initiative in Lagos under Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President Tinubu, who appointed Alpha Beta Company for revenue collection.
Some supporters of the state government argue that this decision will introduce a level of professionalism, reduce bureaucracy, and close loopholes that have been exploited to defraud the state.
