The Ekiti State government has approved the sum of N1.7 billion for the construction of a new revenue house in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Wednesday said the approval formed part of the decisions reached during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
He explained that the council acknowledged the significant increase in the state’s revenue from N600 million to N1.5 billion monthly under the leadership of the chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Olaniran Olatona.
The Commissioner added that the project, when completed in the next 18 months, would enhance efficient service delivery towards achieving a further increase in the state’s revenue for the government to fulfil its prosperity agenda for the state.
The statement reads, “The State Executive Council noted the significant improvement in revenue generation through the innovative drive by the State Revenue Service and the need to fund the well-tailored development agenda of the agency to enhance service delivery, more so as the current building being used is grossly inadequate.
“A state-of-the-art revenue house is expected to greatly enhance revenue collection, management, and economic development of the state. The infrastructure to be put in place will improve the overall taxpayer experience and also provide a one-stop shop for all revenue-related services and reduce the time and effort required for taxpayers to pay their taxes.
“Contract for the construction of the Revenue House is to be awarded to Messrs. Ricabim Nigeria Limited and has an 18-month completion period with payment of 60% as mobilisation fee upon submission of an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) or Insurance Bond, while subsequent payments will be based on milestones achieved on the job.”
He added that the council also approved the sum of N1.4 billion for the construction of the Bovas Filling Station-Spotless Hotel Road in the state capital.
Olatunbosun said the approval was in furtherance of the administration’s strong commitment to the development of infrastructure in Ekiti State in line with the six pillars of the Oyebanji-led government.
According to him, the project, upon completion, is expected to enhance the socio-economic activities of the area and serve as a link between the two axes.
In this same vein, he revealed that the council also approved the rehabilitation of the Oke Ayedun-Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele Road in Ikole Local Government Area of the state.
He said, “The approval is in pursuant of the present administration’s infrastructure development agenda and commitment to addressing the pressing need for road rehabilitation in critical areas.
“The Oke Ayedun-Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele Road, a vital artery connecting several communities, has deteriorated to an alarming state and poses a significant threat to the safety and security of residents and the general public.
“To restore the road’s functionality and ensure easy access, it has therefore become necessary to embark on the rehabilitation works on the road. This project will alleviate the hardship faced by residents, stimulate economic growth, and enhance safety and security along the road.”
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