News

Bill To Establish Commission For National Tax Crimes Pass Second Reading

Published

6 months ago

March 6, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill to Establish a National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to address revenue leakages in the payment and understand payment of taxes in the country, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers.

When passed into law, the commission will check irregularities in the assessment, reporting, and remittances of taxes, prevent and combat tax-related crimes, and plug all leakages in the tax administration system in the country while protecting the rights of three taxpayers.

Leading the debate, Rep. Felix Uche Nweke noted that the amount of revenue available to any government determines the extent to which such a government may be able to provide public goods and services.

He said: “It is a pointer to how far a nation can ensure her growth and development. While taxation is considered the most important means of generating public revenue, it is worthy of note that nations that strive to develop aim at putting in place a fair, just, efficient, and simplified tax administration system that builds confidence amongst the citizens and as well motivate and encourage citizens to pay their taxes.

“While it is one thing to fix the amount of taxes to be paid, it is another for tax collection authorities and assessors to determine the right amount of taxes to be paid in accordance with the provisions of extant tax laws. Leakages occur when unscrupulous staff and agents of tax authorities collude with citizens to under-assess the tax-payer thereby resulting in underpayment.

“Leakages also occur in the form of tax evasion, especially such that is encouraged and condoned by the tax collector and more especially among multinational corporations operating within the country.

“Leakages also occur where there are non-remittances of collected taxes, that is to say where the government does not get the total amount of taxes collected as a result of revenue diversion by the fraudulent staff of tax authorities, the list is endless.

“On the other hand, some citizens, especially small businesses bear the twin burden of either over-assessment or multiple taxation. This stifles the business environment and it does not allow small businesses, ordinarily considered as the engine of growth, to survive. Not only are our tax laws not very friendly to micro, small, and medium enterprises, but such MSMEs suffer more from the activities of the tax collectors.”

The lawmaker argued that to effectively combat, as well as prevent international tax evasion and other transnational organized crimes and abuses of the nation’s public finance system, there is a need to establish an Independent Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission, which will have the capacity to investigate, audit, prevent and combat tax-related crimes.

“This will contribute to our national security through the prevention of tax-related crimes, the prevention of illicit financial flow derived from tax evasion, international tax schemes, cybercrime, etc”, he added.

Rep. Nweke further stated that the commission will not function as a law court, it will not duplicate the functions of the Tax Appeal Tribunals established by section 59(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 and it will not be saddled with any form of quasi-judicial functions.

“The Commission will primarily focus on the Oversight of the Tax Administration System, Ensuring that the Tax Authorities Discharge their Duties within the ambit of the laws: protecting, promoting and guaranteeing taxpayer’s rights, where necessary ensuring the prosecution of corrupt and fraudulent tax officials, ensuring the complete remittances of all public revenues, ensuring the increase of public Revenue not through introduction or increment of taxes but through friendly and appropriate taxation, among other things.

“The Commission will ultimately ensure that the five basic qualities of a good tax system, which include fairness, adequacy. Simplicity, transparency, and administrative ease are entrenched as part of global best practices.

“Similar independent tax auditing and investigating organizations exist in other countries; such as the Treasury Inspector General} for Tax Administration (TIGTA) of the United States and the Inspector General of Taxation and Ombudsman (IGT/0O) of Australia. Similar Organizations exist in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, etc)

“There is a need to put in place an effective system which oversights tax administration in Nigeria, a system which can address taxpayers’ grievances and complaints promptly and without hassles, a system which will be so friendly and that can encourage and raise people’s willingness to pay their taxes”, he stated.

News

President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

Published

2 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

News

Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

Published

2 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

News

Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

Published

2 hours ago

September 7, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.