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A non governmental organisation, Conscience Advocacy has hailed the Federal Inland Revenue services for its aggressive tax education aimed at educating Nigerians on the nation’s tax policies.
The NGO blamed the refusal of Nigerians to pay tax on the low level of tax education, stressing that there is need for people to be adequately educated
Speaking during a media briefing, the coordinator of Conscience Advocacy, BabangidaOkuboye said the management of FIRS must be commended for this tax campaign as these tips will significantly educate people on tax.
He said since the coming on board of the current management Nigeria’s tax compliance has improved significantly, stressing that this is due to the improved awareness being created by numerous campaigns embarked by the FIRS
He said, “People are not knowledgeable about tax. In some countries, people get jailed for not paying their taxes. But in Nigeria where people are not very knowledgeable about taxation, the best thing you could do is first educate the citizens about the importance of paying their taxes
Nigerians have a misconception about paying tax. They believe that paying their taxes is a waste of money because they conceive that the funds are not judiciously used and their taxes are being used to fund corruption. Our compliance level is low.
But with adequate education, all these are bound to change” he said.
He said further, “I think people need tax education first, before the question of trial and jailing could be considered. We can raise enough funds for government to finance projects. We don’t need to continue to depend on oil. If people begin to pay their taxes the government will have enough funds at its disposal. But first thing, let’s educate and interact with taxpayers.
He said Nigerians are peace loving people and all that is needed for themis to comply with the new tax regime in the current tax education embarked upon by the FIRS, aimed at educating Nigerians on the reasons why people should pay tax and the benefit to the nation’s economy.
