Delta Beyond Oil: Delta Assembly Passes Consumption Tax bill into Law

By Miracle Enuji

The Delta State Hotel Occupancy, Restaurants and Departmental Stores Consumption Tax bill has been passed into law by the Delta State House of Assembly.

The Consumption Tax bill which originated from the executive arm of the state, swiftly scaled through at Tuesday, June 13, 2017 plenary session.

Presenting the report of the adhoc committee which sat on the bill, Chairman, Hon. Preyo Oboro, Member Representing Bomadi State Constituency said the committee found it worthy to recommend the Tax law for Delta State in order to provide the State government an alternative source in boosting its revenue base.

“In ensuring to do a thorough work on the bill, the committee properly examined, scrutinize, analyze and recommendations were made to ensure that it does not in any way, conflict with the existing laws of the state. Due to the strategic importance of this bill, the committee also undertook a study tour to Lagos state House of Assembly, where the law has been enacted and in operation.”

“A critical look at the State’s revenue profile shows that it is dwindling due to the present economic recession in the Country. Therefore, Tax is key to reverting the economy of the state,” Hon. Oboro submitted”

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tim Owhofere who received the report of the committee, moved for the suspension of Rule 77, 78 and 79 of the House Rules to enable the speedy passage of the bill into law and was supported by Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, member representing Oshimili South State Constituency.

Members of the House unanimously gave their support which received the gavel of the Speaker, thus creating the swift passage of the bill which will soon have the assent of the state Governor on it.

The speaker thanked members of the adhoc committee for effectively doing justice on the Bill. “I want to use this opportunity to thank the chairman and members of the adhoc committee for a job well done, this consumption tax bill is very important to Deltans at this time when this state needs more money and it is a good thing. I also thank all Members of the House.”

With the passage of this bill, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has now added a new feather to his position and an achievement quickly recorded within the first month of his emergence as Speaker.

It will be recalled that the swift passage of the bill into a law, was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Speaker during the Second anniversary of the Sixth Assembly,  “I promise that the Legislature would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the Executive arm of Government.”