Lack of political strong will, data, affecting tax justice regime – Group

Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) in Nigeria, has pointed out that inadequate data from government sources and lack of strong political will are some challenges militating against an effective tax justice regime in Nigeria.

Briefing journalists on Wednesday as part of its one-week long activities to mark the ‘Tax Justice week’ in Abuja, the group also identified poor collaborations and coordination to report on tax expenditures as threats to achieving a formidable tax justice system.

The Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Nigeria comprises of International and National Non-Government Organisations, Trade Unions and other progress partners.

Celestine Okwudili Odo who spoke on behalf of the group, said, innovative strategies and amendment to different legal and policy frameworks is necessary to achieving the required tax justice regime in the country.

He also stressed that monitoring of tax expenditures by relevant stakeholders is required for a productive economy.

The group also recommended that “there should be tax expenditures reports with the annual budgets; there is need to strengthen the knowledge base of workers within the relevant MDAs.To set up a dedicated tax expenditure monitoring and control unit by the ministry of finance as proposed.

“There is need for established annual milestones on tax expenditure implementation. There is need for periodic assessment of tax expenditure milestones and impact on the economy.To deepen public and private dialogue on the reforms of tax expenditures to find lasting solutions to the challenges.

“Research new ways of blocking leakages in the revenue generation of Nigeria, especially on adopting technology to monitor and block tax leakages through the tax incentives.

“Tax incentives should be subjected to parliamentary legislation and oversight.
Coordination of tax administrators and stakeholders to streamline their activities so as to curb duplication of services.

“MDAs to generate and document evidence-based data with current and live figures, accessible to all. The principles of transparency and accountability should be the guiding principle in the administration of tax expenditure”.

The Theme of the conference is “Tax Expenditure and the Implication for National Development”.

Over 100 participants from across various segments and sectors of the nation attended the conference.