The Federal Government has rolled out a plan to promote taxation in Nigeria by strengthening compliance with relevant tax laws in the country.
The Commissioner of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zak Adeji, also revealed the FG’s plan to increase the tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to 18% by 2026.
Mr. Adeji made this point while speaking at the Annual Workshop/Awards of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) on the theme “Economic Impact of Federal Tax Reform”.
“This will allay concerns in some quarters that the targeted revenue would trigger the imposition of additional or new taxes,” the FIRS chief said.
The Director and Coordinator of FIRS, Lagos Island, Ms. Fadekemi Oyeniyi, who represented Adeji at the event, said the FIRS Chairman reiterated that taxes are the lifeblood of any economy.
Mr. Oyenyi said Mr. Adeji also believes that taxes provide the necessary funds for governments at all levels to carry out their mandates and implement policies that will help the country grow and develop.
“It is therefore essential that our tax reform is effective and fair, and fosters investment and innovation,” he said.
“Nigeria has long recognized the need for tax reform to address the challenges faced by businesses and create an enabling environment for economic growth.”
Meanwhile, Mr Adediji has always said that the authorities are fully committed to promoting growth and development in Nigeria.
“Our goal is bold: to exceed Africa’s average tax-to-GDP ratio of 16.5% and reach an impressive 18% within three years.
“In doing so, we aim to reduce our country’s dependence on debt and ensure fiscal sustainability,” he said after taking office.
Source: guardian.ng