NBC strengthens ties with Local Authorities to curb revenue loss

DODOMA: The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with local government authorities and regional administrations to improve revenue collection through digital means and enhance transparency within financial systems.

This initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive urging local authorities on tackling government revenue loss.

Speaking at the 39th General Meeting of the Association of Local Authorities in Tanzania (ALAT) held in Dodoma, President Samia instructed the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Governments), Mohamed Mchengerwa, along with council directors, to effectively oversee revenue collection processes to identify responsible parties and take requisite actions.

In response to the presidential directive, NBC, a key sponsor of the ALAT meeting and a financial services partner for local councils, articulated its collaborative strategy through its Head of Public Sector, Ms Joyce Maruba.

She emphasized the importance of using modern digital services to facilitate the implementation of the President’s directive, particularly regarding government revenue collection.

“The presidential directive arrives at a crucial moment, as just recently, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa officially launched our enhanced digital service, ‘NBC Kiganjani’. This service is designed to improve Tanzanians’ access to various financial products, including government payments, ensuring that the government receives its collections efficiently, transparently, and without loss,” Ms Maruba stated during a press conference at the meeting.

“Consequently, President Samia’s emphasis today serves as a catalyst, motivating us to reach more Tanzanians to utilize this modern service and ultimately fulfill the President’s vision. We encourage local councils and other authorities to continue collaborating with us in this endeavor,” she added.

NBC has been offering a range of electronic services to District and Municipal Councils for revenue collection through the Government Electronic Payment System (GePG). The bank’s extensive agency network, point-of-sale (POS) machines, and secure payment management systems further bolster this capacity, enabling easier digital revenue collection via the NBC Kiganjani service.

Moreover, through its ‘NBC Connect’ service, tailored for corporate clients, the bank has been facilitating secure and efficient online banking services, thereby enhancing effectiveness and transparency in institutional and organizational financial transactions.

Ms. Maruba emphasized NBC’s commitment to collaborating with ALAT for the successful facilitation of the meeting. The bank aims to foster closer engagement with various council leaders across the country, offering a broad spectrum of services, including payment and loan solutions for councils and their staff.

“As a bank, we take great pride in being a significant partner in the national development agenda. We are committed to remaining active participants in these kinds of meetings, with our doors continually open to serve not only the government and public servants but all Tanzanians at large.”

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“Moreover, we actively engage in essential government initiatives to drive economic development, including various construction projects through enhanced facilitation such as management and bond sales. We also extend our support to specific groups, including SMEs, agricultural value chains, AMCOS, informal traders, motorcycle operators (‘bodaboda’), and other communities,” concluded Ms Maruba.