Traders in Ika North East Local Government Area have been sensitized on the need to key into the State Governments Identifiable Group Taxation (IGT)by paying their tax in order to be listed as beneficiaries of these Delta State’s Contributory Health Scheme. The Health Scheme grants full access to free health care services upon proof of participation in the IGT scheme.
The sensitization which took place at Boji Boji Main Market on Thursday 5th April 2018 was attended by the President of Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Hon. Mrs. Kate Onah.
Speaking during the sensitization, Mrs. Onah said the SMART Agenda of the governor should be supported by all, urging the market men and women to key into government policies which she said are introduced by the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to better the lives of the masses.
Enlightening traders on the modus operandi of The Identifiable Group Taxation (IGT) Delta State, a member of the group said that apart from it being a platform for establishing a tax compliant citizenry in the State, the scheme is designed to ease the burden of access to health care both in government hospitals, under the contributory Health Scheme.
They further explained that the scheme was introduced by His Excellency the Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the benefit of all persons in the Informal Sector Groups.
All persons in this sector during this sensitization were enjoined to meet their various union’s leaders to register and secure their Payment booklets in order to contribute.
The representative of the State’s Contributory Health Commission in his brief revealed that all participants who register for the card and contributes towards the scheme for up to 6 months will be given identity cards for access at various government Health Care Centres.
Allaying the fears and concerns of traders over irregularities, they assured that there will be proper monitoring of the scheme to ensure it sails smoothly.
Responding through their representative, the traders said they will key into the scheme and contribute towards it.
Also present at the meeting were the executives of Boji Boji Owa, Amalgamated Traders Association led by Sir F.N Ogbanzu, Representatives of the Ecco of all other Markets in the Local Government, The representative of the Ika North Local Government Chairman, the Market Masters of various markets in the local government, representatives of The Board of Internal Revenue, amongst others.
The sensitization is scheduled to extend to other parts of the state.