Buhari Advocates New Tax Culture as Platform for Economic Progress

Buhari Advocates New Tax Culture as Platform for Economic Progress

By Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja pledged federal government’s commitment to continuous sensitisation of Nigerians towards the culture of tax payment by ensuring fair implementation policy and effective utilisation of resources.
The president who made the remarks while receiving the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in the State House, said the national tax policy document had been reviewed with the aim of institutionalising a tax payment culture within the Nigerian workforce.

According to a statement by the president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari said the progress made in diversifying the economy, providing social security and securing the country could be further improved with enhanced and expanded revenue base.

“We have made some progress in the past four years. However, a lot more can still be done. A key step is to enhance and expand Government’s revenue base.

“Today, we still rely on oil as our main source of income. This simply is not enough to meet our infrastructure, social services and security needs,’’ Buhari said.

The statement said the president noted that Nigerians were hardworking and entrepreneurial, adding that a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of tax on the economy by the populace and fair administration would help in improving government’s revenue shortfalls.

It also said the President of CITN, Chief Cyril Ikemefuna Ede, in his remarks, congratulated the president on his re-election for a second term in office, assuring him of the institute’s support for a successful tenure, especially in the area of using tax to improve government’s revenue.

“Your victory is a clear sign of belief, trust and confidence that Nigerians have in you,’’ Ede said.

The statement added: “Ede said some higher institutions in the country had started offering taxation as a course, hoping it will also be taught in secondary schools.

“He said nations can only achieve development with mobilisation of resources through taxation.

“The President of CITN said political leaders must set a good example for compliance on tax payment by ensuring that presentation of tax certificates remain one of the central requirements for those who want to contest elective positions.”

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