Enugu State Government Introduces Unified E-Ticket Scheme to Address Revenue Leakages And Promote A Digital Economy

The Enugu State Government has introduced a unified e-ticket scheme in the state, which will eliminate multiple taxation and grow the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), thereby promoting a digital economy.

The soon to be launched unified e-ticket, is an electronic ticket for the collection of taxes from the informal sector, such as road taxes, including tickets from tricycles, buses, tippers, emblems, and passengers’ manifest.

Speaking on the roll-out of the e-ticket scheme, the chairperson of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Angela Nnamani, said that it was introduced in line with the mandate of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration in the state, to promote a digital economy which will eliminate multiple taxation and grow the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

She further added that the scheme was introduced to make tax payments easy and convenient for all citizens while eliminating harassment and loss of government revenue. Moving forward, all payment and enforcement would be done using online and agency banking tools.

The Secretary to the Enugu State government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia further stated that the government is convinced that tax and revenue collection must be convenient and friendly via technology while addressing leakages. He also warned that touts and miscreants caught extorting transporters will be dealt with.

The government of the state has therefore banned all forms of tickets across the state and citizens are enjoined to purchase their daily tickets through approved e-ticket agents across the state. USSD options will also be made available for those who aren’t well-versed in accessing digital platforms.

Their tickets will be vented to their vehicle plate number/ shop number, and enforcers will also confirm their purchase using online means only. The government has issued a warning to scrutinize anyone found selling paper tickets in the state. Sources reveal that the new e-ticket scheme will commence on the 11th of August 2023.

The introduction of e-tickets by the Enugu state government is a laudable initiative that will help streamline and reduce multiple taxation, particularly in the context of travel and transportation.

E-ticketing systems centralize ticketing processes, which can lead to more accurate tax calculations and collections. Unlike traditional paper ticketing which usually involves various intermediaries, each is potentially subject to different taxation rules.

One notable thing about e-ticketing is the transparency it provides. Such models provide clearer documentation of the taxation applied to each transaction. This transparency can help the government understand how taxes are collected and calculated, thereby eliminating revenue leakages.

Check Out Some Advantages of E-Ticketing

1. Convenience: E-tickets can be purchased and accessed online, eliminating the need to visit a physical ticket counter.
2. Accessibility: E-tickets can be stored on devices that people carry with them regularly, making it easy to access and present them when needed.
3. Reduced Waste: Since e-tickets are digital, they help reduce paper waste associated with traditional paper tickets.
4. Enhanced Security: E-tickets can incorporate security measures such as QR codes or unique identification numbers to prevent fraud and unauthorized duplication.
5. Automated Taxation: E-ticketing platforms can incorporate automated taxation calculations based on the relevant tax rates in the buyer’s location, the seller’s location, and the jurisdiction where the service is provided. This can help ensure that the correct taxes are applied, reducing the chances of over-taxation or under-taxation.
6. Reduced Administrative Overhead: E-ticketing systems can streamline administrative processes, reducing the administrative burden associated with tax collection and reporting. This can potentially result in more accurate and efficient tax compliance.
7. Real-Time Reporting: E-ticketing systems can generate real-time reports on sales and transactions, making it easier for tax authorities to monitor and audit tax collection processes.

The e-ticketing model introduced by the Enugu state government is a model government of other states should emulate and implement, as it will help to mitigate issues related to multiple taxation, which can greatly impact the revenue of the state.