The Kwara state Government on Thursday won an award for Outstanding Performance as Cashless Driver in the Government Category at the maiden Electronic Payments Incentive Scheme(EPIS) Efficiency Award 2016, held in Lagos.
Kwara was one of the only two states that received recognition in the government category alongside Lagos State, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
According to the organizers, the award is for the government’s outstanding performance in driving the CBN Cashless Initiative through NIBSS Electronic Platform for the year 2015.
Kwara State’s Cashless Initiatives which earned it the award include salary administration, TSA implementation and the technology deployed for the state revenue agency, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service.(KWIRS).
Reacting to the award, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the his administration will continue to enhance its use of technology for efficiency, transparency and cost savings. He said KWIRS recognition by EPIS in less than a year of operation demonstrates that the state is well on the way to achieving its target of becoming the state with the second highest IGR per capita income by 2019.
Governor Ahmed said the state will continue to partner with the CBN in its drive for financial inclusion for SMEs and micro industry and will strive to remain at the forefront of innovation using available electronic platforms.
The governor thanked all stakeholders and partners and called on them to continue to work with the state on innovation that will enhance our collective economic development.