Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) and its Commissioner General, Mr Sam Koim, for the swift and complete restoration of the IRC’s critical tax administration systems, and the full recovery of all taxpayer records without compromise following recent technical disruptions.
Speaking during a high-level fiscal performance and revenue strategy briefing, Prime Minister Marape praised the IRC’s resilience, innovation, and national commitment, describing the organisation as “the bone marrow of our economy”—a vital source that sustains the nation’s financial health.
“With minimal support and under immense pressure, Commissioner General Sam Koim and his team have restored the IRC’s systems at a cost of just K2 million,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “This achievement is nothing short of remarkable and deserves the highest commendation. It reflects the professionalism and dedication of our national institutions when entrusted with critical responsibilities.”
Despite operational disruptions and wider economic pressures, the IRC has already collected nearly 30% of its ambitious K19 billion revenue target for 2025 by the end of April— an indication of its strong performance and operational discipline.
Commissioner General Sam Koim confirmed to the Prime Minister and senior officials that all taxpayer data was fully recovered and secured. “This is not just a technical restoration,” said Mr Koim. “It is a restoration of trust, stability, and institutional confidence. We are committed to ensuring that tax administration continues uninterrupted and with integrity.”
Mr Koim also acknowledged challenges ahead, including the impact of Section 158J of the Income Tax Act (relating to LNG project deductions), anticipated tax relief on essential goods, and delays in implementing the new Government Management System (GMS). Nevertheless, the IRC remains confident it can stay within 3% of its year-to-date target.
Prime Minister Marape urged the Department of Finance, Treasury, and National Planning to ensure all revenue-generating agencies—including IRC and PNG Customs—are adequately resourced to maintain operations, enhance system resilience, and deliver on their revenue mandates.
“Let us not kill the goose that lays the golden eggs,” Prime Minister Marape said. “If we want our economy to grow, we must protect and strengthen the institutions that sustain it. Just like a garden, our revenue agencies must be weeded, fenced, and nourished to yield greater returns for the nation.”
He further called for a review of the National Treasury Revenue (NTR) dividend sweep policy to allow agencies to retain sufficient operating funds. As the original architect of the NTR law, Prime Minister Marape emphasised the importance of collecting dividends based on net, not gross, revenue—ensuring that statutory bodies are empowered rather than constrained.
“My government will continue to make evidence-based decisions and remain transparent with our coalition partners and the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said. “Every kina collected must be accounted for, every agency supported to perform, and every citizen empowered through a stable and functional tax system.”