The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has highlighted the need for reforms in Nigeria’s tax administration system, pointing to design and implementation flaws, as well as issues with taxpayers’ attitudes,Daily Trust reports.
Speaking at the National Discourse on Tax Reform Bills, organized by the Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Kaduna on Saturday, Idris underscored the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing the controversies surrounding the proposed tax reforms.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to participatory democracy, assuring Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu would uphold democratic ideals. “The Tinubu administration will never act in a manner that undermines participatory democracy,” Idris stated. “Our mandate and responsibility for reforming Nigeria come from democracy, and we remain committed to meeting high democratic standards and expectations.”oooooooooo
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The event, themed “Tax Reform: Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance,” provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the significance of taxation in national development. Idris quoted Benjamin Franklin’s famous words: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes,” emphasizing the importance of taxation as a government tool to fund social services.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s tax system requires significant reform, highlighting inefficiencies in its design and implementation, as well as taxpayers’ non-compliance. He praised the ongoing review of the country’s tax laws as a critical step in broader macroeconomic reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and development.
“The full details of the new tax bills are publicly accessible,” Idris noted, commending the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform for effectively engaging stakeholders. He encouraged Nigerians to share their perspectives on the reforms, assuring that the Executive would consider all concerns and work collaboratively to address them.
“It is encouraging to see Nigerians actively voicing their opinions on these critical issues,” he said. “President Tinubu has made it clear that the government will listen to and work with stakeholders to address concerns comprehensively.”
Idris further emphasized the critical role of citizen participation in the administration’s fiscal reform agenda, which aims to decentralize resources to states and local governments in line with the principles of federalism.
“As the Tinubu administration advances its ambitious fiscal reform agenda, citizen engagement will remain vital for success,” he added.
The President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, pledged the institute’s support for the reforms, leveraging its platform to foster national dialogue. Prominent figures such as Senator Shehu Sani, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, and Reverend Joseph Hayab also expressed their support for the tax reform bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.
The event brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society, creating a collaborative forum to discuss the future of Nigeria’s tax system and its role in driving economic growth.
