Governor Alex Otti has revived the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN) to improve individuals’ economic planning and address duplicate taxation.
Okey Kanu, the commissioner for information and culture, said this during a press conference at Government House in Umuahia.
He stated that the program, which aims to improve people’s wellbeing, will go into force on March 2.
Mr Kanu further stated that ABSSIN would support the government’s efforts to improve social protection and promote the principle of inclusiveness in governance.
“The government is taking this issue very seriously. This government has been very intentional in its plans, very strategic in execution of its plans and very determined to enhance living standards of the citizens,” he said.
Also, the Abia State Internal Revenue Services (ABIRS) chairman, Udochukwu Ogbonna, said every resident was expected to have the number.
Mr Ogbonna said one could obtain ABSSIN by registering online, using the ‘Abiapay online’, ABIRS office in the 17 LGAs and ministries.
“When you are paying your tax, you are supposed to quote this number. What that means is that every transaction you are doing in the state will come under one account, that is to say that, ABSSN is the account number of every citizen in Abia state.
“ABSSIN is not only for tax payment. It will help you to have access to certain benefits that are coming from the government, which include scholarships,” he said.
Also, the commissioner for budget and planning, Kingsley Anosike, said that ABSSIN would serve as the source of data for economic planning and accessing social benefits from the government.
“Once you register, all your information situated in that platform becomes easier to reach you, whether it is for an emergency, whatever it is,” Mr Anosike said.
The special adviser to the governor on internally generated revenue, Chimeremeze Okigbo, said the government wants to be intentional about economic planning.
Mr Okigbo said the ABSSIN registration was free, adding that it would help enhance the security measures to keep the state crime-free.
(NAN)