Engaging the public in fiscal policy reforms is crucial, The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee seizes every opportunity to share plans, and thought process, provide clarifications and address areas of concern, all in the public interest.
Currently in Nigeria There is over 60 taxes, levies and charges across the 3 levels of government with state and local governments administering 46 taxes and levies, including road taxes, motor park levies, truck, canoe, wheelbarrow and cart fees etc.
There are even more unauthorised taxes all disproportionately affecting small businesses including petty traders, hawkers, artisans, truckers, cart pushers, okada riders and other transporters.
The associated costs are inevitably passed on to consumers, mostly low income earners.
The payers also have to contend with the unorthodox means of collection and harassment from untrained “revenue collectors” on highways, markets, streets etc while there is very little to show for the revenues collected.
The proposal is to repeal many of these burdensome taxes, harmonise the few that are justifiable, and digitise the collection process with multiple channels including USSD to drive efficiency, reduce leakages and promote accountability.
The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee recognise that these reforms also have a social dimension. They also have a choice to recommend that new personnel be recruited and trained to drive compliance or train the existing collectors to be civil in their approach. While the former may lead to potential backlash, the latter offers a more sustainable solution, avoiding social crises and providing relief to small businesses. The reforms stand a better chance of success when we find a win-win outcome for all stakeholders than those which seek to alienate criticisms are welcome and always the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee cherish the opportunity to engage. The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee are open to and actively seek feedback and ideas from the public. To share their thoughts, feedback and ideas with the committee including alternative perspectives to refine their approach.Visit the website to learn more about the work of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee here fiscalreforms.ng and watch the full interview on youtu.be/eamNkfAaNww?si…