Speaking at the ceremony, FirstBank Gambia Limited Executive Director Alasana Jabby described the event as another milestone for FirstBank signing another MOU with GRA. The MOU is an endeavour that Government through the GRA ensures via commercials banks in the country for the effective and timely collection of revenue for national development.
This is the second phase of the MOU signing between the two parties, he recounted, saying: “This is just to re-activate the contract.”
He said that currently FirstBank has about five locations within the Greater Banjul Area, and in a couple of months there will be another one at Brusubi. “This will greatly help us to collect the much-needed revenue for the Government,” he added.
The executive director spoke extensively on their transformational journey for expansion in rural Gambia. He stated: “First Bank is currently working towards expanding to rural Gambia in Basse and Farafenni, which will greatly enhance more collection of revenue for GRA.”
He further highlighted the strength of his bank, saying: “If you look at First Bank, we have the capacity simply because if you go to Nigeria, First Bank is the biggest bank, as it was founded in 1894 (131 years old). FirstBank, he added, operates in several countries of Africa and beyond, making it a great bank.
“We want to replicate its reputation in The Gambia, and that will help us to enhance revenue collection for GRA. We will equally ensure that we do a better job for GRA,” he assures.
He also promised the Commissioner General that “FirstBank will never disappoint GRA and will deliver as indicated in the MoU”. He further promised that “FirstBank will adhere to all terms and conditions stipulated in the MOU and deliver on time”.
Also speaking at the signing of the MOU, FirstBank Gambia Limited CEO/MD Gbenga O. Ajibola expressed delight to be associated with the service, saying the MOU between GRA and FirstBank Gambia Limited is essential.
The process started three to four months ago, with a lot of efforts and firm commitment and dedication put in that led to the two parties signing such a strategic MOU.
MD Ajibola stated: “FirstBank has been in The Gambia for years, but we have realised that for us to raise the bar high, there is need for FirstBank to participate in the collection of revenue that covered 60 percent tax collection of the country every year.”
He also praised GRA’s performance under the leadership of the Commissioner General and his dynamic team. He collectively commended them for their innovations, hard work and commitment, which is responsible for the excellent performance in revenue collection over the years.
He described the management and team of GRA as a winning team, saying FirstBank cherishes the collaboration and partnership with GRA. He also assured GRA that FirstBank would live up to expectations and would adhere to all terms and conditions to effectively deliver as expected of them.
For his part, GRA’s deputy Commissioner General and head of domestic taxes Ensa Jallow acknowledged the partnership between GRA and FirstBank Gambia Limited, saying the bank plays a pivotal role in the financial service industry and the country’s economy.
Deputy CG Jallow said the MOU would spur the bank to improve efficiency in revenue collection and add value to the work of GRA.
“We want to make sure that our system is digitalised, so that we work with the banks to be cost-effective,” he said, encouraging the bank to live up to expectations.
In delivering his speech, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe applauded FirstBank Gambia Limited for accepting to re-activate the MOU between the two institutions.
“The primary objective is to ensure efficiency, transparency and ease of access for collection of revenue for GRA,” CG Darboe reiterated, saying: “We want it to be transparent, and we cannot have a better transparency than the Bank. Therefore expectations are high and I believe FirstBank will surely deliver as expected.”
