…seeks speedy passage of tax crime Commission
OSAS EMMANUEL
Association of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria on Revenue and Economy (ACCNRE), says the country loses about N16 trillion to fraudulent practices under the policy on imports and related incentives, which are more of a scam than intended benefits for the country’s economy.
Founder of the Association, Orji Philip Orji, chief promoter of a bill seeking establishment of office of the National Inspector General for Tax Crimes Commission (NIGTCC), currently before the National Assembly, said this while briefing journalists in Abuja at the weekend.
According to Orji, while the waivers were not bad, lack of close monitoring has led to all manner of abuses, where supposed manufacturers offered waivers, hide under the cover of, “constructing fictitious factories and importing products for years, thereby shortchanging the country of revenue.”
He specially appealed to the National Assembly to pass the bill, which has already scaled second reading at both Chambers before proceeding on the Yuletide break, appreciated spokesman of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senate Chief Whip, Uzor Kalu who separately sponsored the proposed legislation in the two chambers.
The tax analyst who cited countries like the United Kingdom and the United States amongst others, where such office exist alongside the Internal Revenue Service agencies for oversight purposes said the NIGTCC would; “protect the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), employee improprieties and external attempts to corrupt or threaten FIRS employees.
“It will provide policy direction, conduct, supervise and coordinate audits and investigations related to FIRS programmes and operations.
“Review existing and proposed legislation and regulations related to FIRS programmes and operations and make recommendations concerning the impact of such legislations or regulations, promote economy and efficiency in the administration of the tax laws.
“Inform the auditor general and the legislative congress of problems and deficiencies identified and of the progresses made in resolving them.
“Apparently, it’s the duty of the Legislators, the (MPs) to fast track the passage of NIGTCC bill into law as the watchdog in our tax administration, to safe lives of our unborn generations.”
He further stressed that: “Tax is a very complex subject to discus, the poor don’t want to hear about taxes neither do the rich have time to listen to issues that concerns tax.
“No one love to pay tax, neither do government wants to impose them on its citizens, but no nation can exist without tax.
“In that respect, stem the need for the government to take responsibility of fashioning a fair, efficient and transparent taxation system that guarantees security and protection of taxpayer’s right.”
