Governors and Experts Urge Transparent Tax System to Boost Confidence
By Patience Ikpeme
State governors and tax experts have come together to advocate for a more transparent and accountable tax system in Nigeria.
This call was made during the 26th Annual Tax Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja, with the theme, “Sustainable Tax Culture and Economic Roadmap for Nation Building”.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, along with his counterparts from Sokoto and Borno States, emphasized the importance of transparency in tax administration to enhance confidence and voluntary compliance among Nigerians.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, stressed the need to prioritize growing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) over relying solely on borrowing to fund national and sub-national budgets. Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State criticized inefficiencies and corruption in the current tax administration system.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the necessity of a transparent and efficient tax system for sustainable development. He emphasized the role of taxpayers in nation-building, stating, “We must all understand the crucial role taxes play in building a better Nigeria for ourselves and for generations to come.”
He further urged a shift in mindset regarding taxation, urging citizens to view it as an investment in the collective future rather than a burden. Sanwo-Olu also praised ongoing efforts to streamline state-level taxes and integrate the remote workforce into the tax net.
Amosun cautioned against over-reliance on borrowing in the face of economic challenges, emphasizing the need for fiscal prudence. Zulum, represented by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, highlighted the shortcomings of the current tax system, including tax evasion, avoidance, and lack of transparency.
Zulum called for critical reforms to address these issues, including tackling corruption in both the oil sector and governance system. He criticized the political protection of tax evaders and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in tax administration.
Dr. Adeyemi Sanni, Chairman of the conference planning committee noted that “for Nigeria to achieve meaningful fiscal development over the long term, it is imperative to establish a tax culture that can withstand economic fluctuations and challenges. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, tax professionals, and taxpayers themselves”.
Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, President and Chairman of the CITN council stated that “at the subnational level, particularly at the various revenue authorities, there is the need to invest in technology and people to effectively track revenues in the digital space including cryptocurrency to maximise government revenue flow. It is also key to provide support to the revenue authorities by way of financial and administrative autonomy to empower them to effectively administer taxes.
