In a strategic move to unlock the economic potential of the hospitality and tourism sectors, the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced a partnership with the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS). This collaboration aims to significantly boost internally generated revenue (IGR) and establish a more robust regulatory framework for businesses operating within the state’s tourism and cultural ecosystems.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Freddy Ndigbara, during a high-level working visit with his team of directors to the RIRS headquarters. According to Ndigbara, aligning the ministry’s regulatory mandate with the revenue collection expertise of the RIRS is essential for driving sustainable economic growth and ensuring that all operators within the sector contribute their fair share to the state’s development.
Strengthening Regulation and Compliance
Rivers State boasts a vibrant hospitality and tourism industry, with hundreds of hotels, entertainment venues, and cultural sites. However, maximizing revenue from this sector requires streamlined processes and better compliance. The partnership will focus on identifying unlicensed operators, harmonizing tax collection methods, and ensuring that all tourism-related businesses adhere to state laws.
By leveraging the database and digital tools of the RIRS, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism aims to create a comprehensive registry of all hospitality and tourism facilities in the state. This registry will not only aid in fair tax collection but will also improve security, safety, and quality assurance for tourists and residents alike.
Unlocking Non-Oil Revenue Potential
As states across Nigeria look to diversify their economies away from oil dependency, tourism has emerged as a key pillar for economic revitalization. Under the current administration, Rivers State is actively positioning itself as a premier destination for business and leisure. Enhanced collaboration between the Ministry and RIRS is a critical step in turning this vision into tangible economic outcomes.
During the visit, representatives from both agencies discussed the establishment of a joint implementation committee. This committee will be tasked with designing a seamless operational framework to prevent double taxation, resolve outstanding compliance issues, and educate business owners on their statutory obligations. Through this cooperative approach, the government aims to foster a business-friendly environment while maintaining strict fiscal discipline.
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