By Lodu William Odiya
The South Sudan Institute of Revenue Administration (SSIRA) has launched a two-week training program for 54 South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) staff to strengthen their skills in tax collection and revenue administration.
According to the SSRA press unit, the training underway at the SSIRA headquarters brings together staff from SSRA called centres and tax centres as part of efforts to improve taxpayer services and enhance revenue mobilisation.
Stephen Analo, principal of the South Sudan Institute of the Revenue Administration (SSIRA), called on the trainees to take the program seriously, stressing that effective tax administration requires the right knowledge, skills, and attitude.
“You need the right knowledge, you need the right skills, and you need the right attitude, and that is what we are going to equip you with by the time you walk out here,” Analo said.
He encouraged the participants to attend the sessions consistently, saying the institute had made arrangements to facilitate their transportation to and from the training.
Analo said SSIRA has so far trained more than 650 participants working outside the institute and has also entered into a partnership with clearing agents in South Sudan to provide them with relevant tax training.
He added that the institute had developed additional programs aimed at equipping SSRA staff with the knowledge and tools needed to improve revenue collection.
In his official opening and keynote address at the training, SSRA Deputy Commissioner General Solomon Ariik Manyok urged the participants to demonstrate commitment, integrity, and professionalism in their work.
Manyok said effective taxpayer service is essential to improving revenue collection, particularly at taxpayer service and tax collection centres.
“Treat them with the right attitude, [the] right personality, and the right way of doing business. Therefore, from that perspective, we shall be able to collect enough taxes that we need,” Manyok said.
He further called for teamwork and integrity among SSRA staff, saying these values are essential to achieving the revenue targets needed to support South Sudan’s economic development.
“If we work together as a team with integrity and commitment, we can achieve the results we need to help our nation move forward economically,” he added.