Ondo Deploys Digital Payment Platform To Streamline Revenue Collection

The Ondo State Government has launched a digital platform to streamline the collection of taxes and other government-related payments. This initiative follows a working agreement between the Ondo State Government, through the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), and consulting firm BBA Consult Ltd.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during a demonstration meeting with the consulting firm at the Governor’s office in Akure, emphasized the state’s commitment to improving revenue collection through innovative solutions. The new digital platform, he said, would not only make tax payments easier but also enhance the state’s revenue generation capacity.

The Governor highlighted that the platform would help eliminate financial leakages, improve tax compliance, and create a more transparent tax system. He also assured that the revenue generated through the system would be channeled into crucial infrastructural developments in the state, including roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and other public services.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further urged residents and businesses to embrace the new system, stressing its security, ease of use, and long-term benefits for Ondo’s economic growth.

Maryam Abisola, the Director at BBA Consult Ltd., explained that each taxpayer in the state would be assigned a unique taxpayer ID linked to their personal profile, which includes essential details such as phone number, address, and age. She assured that these records would remain confidential and accessible only to the taxpayer.

Abisola also highlighted the platform’s functionalities, which simplify tax payments and other financial transactions, eliminating bottlenecks associated with manual processes. The platform allows users to make payments to different government agencies using various options, including card payments, bank transfers, USSD codes, or in-person payments at designated banks. After completing a transaction, taxpayers can download receipts with unique verification codes for authentication by tax officials.

The platform goes beyond tax payments, offering a one-stop shop for various government-related payments, including those related to commerce and industry, land and housing, billboard advertising, healthcare, natural resources, and education fees. The system aims to consolidate these multiple payment processes into a single, user-friendly platform.

The demonstration event was attended by key figures including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taye Fasoranti; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN; and Chairman of the Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan.