SSCK Finance Minister Highlights Dual Tax Collection Strategy and Regional Security

[Deeq A.]

Hirad: “At every customs point, there are two officers: one officer tasked with levying the appropriate tax and the other officer ensures the proper rules are applied, e.g., not overcharging or undercharging the businessperson transporting goods.”

Laascaanood (PP News Desk ) — The Finance Minister of Sool, Sanaag, Cayn and Khatumo interim administration (SSCK) based in Laascaanood, Abdiqani Hirad, said that revenue growth “is a priority for the administration.” In an interview he granted to a news website, Hirad outlined the sources of revenue for the SSCK administration. “We have more than six customs points in the regions under our control. The mandate for tax collection is primarily divided into two: one type of tax  collected by the local government and another type of tax collected by the SSCK Ministry of Finance, which represents the Somali Federal Finance Ministry. We have a plan to register all vehicles in SSCK territories and issue new number plates” said Hirad.

Mr. Hirad emphasised the role of citizens as taxpayers and revenue protection volunteers. “At every customs point, there are two officers: one officer tasked with levying the appropriate tax and the other officer ensures the proper rules are applied, e.g., not overcharging or undercharging the businessperson transporting goods.”

The SSCK Ministry of Finance is exploring ways to introduce gradual tax collection mechanisms that take into account the special conditions such as conflict and underdevelopment that have affected SSCK regions for more than 15 years. “We give priority to security and pay our soldiers. The security of Somali citizens in SSCK territories is of utmost importance in the minds of the SSCK executive and legislative branches,” added Hirad, who chose not to disclose the tax revenues raised by the SSCK administration.

“We are in talks with the Federal Government of Somalia over such initiatives as budget support and development assistance for SSCK regions, and we are in a good relationship with Puntland State of Somalia,” said Hirad.

© Puntland Post, 2024

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