Be transparent, accountable on IGR, expert tells Govts
Dr Chiwuike Uba, a consultant has expressed the need for government at all levels to be transparent and accountable on Internally Generated Revenue, to encourage taxpayers to do the needful as and when due.
Uba made the call at the consultative meeting with stakeholders on strengthening taxpayers registration system and process organized by USAID State2State activity in Yola.
He said that accountability would help to reduce tax apathy.
“The executive have to be accountable to boost the morale of taxpayers and implement policies aimed at encouraging tax compliance,” he said.
According to him, people need to know what is going on every month on revenue collection not to wait for Bureau of Statistics’ report.
He charged tax authorities to operate a transparent tax system that optimizes tax revenue collection and voluntary compliance.
Uba also tasked taxpayers to consider tax as a civil obligation and constant duty that most be discharged as and when due.
Earlier in her address, Ms Suzanne Myada, State2State’s Public Financial Management specialist said that the objective of the meeting is to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
She advised the taxpayers to know their rights and some existing laws so as not to fall into wrong hands.
In their separate remarks, some of the participants drawn from State Board of Internal Revenue, Civil Society Organisations, Chamber of Commerce and Taxpayers Association as well as person living with disabilities lauded USAID for the engagement.
Malam Salihu Sabana, Director Taxes Adamawa Board of Internal Revenue described the engagement as perfect and eye opener for the Board.
He said that the meeting has exposed them to international best practices on the process of taxpayers registration.
According to him, some of the process is manual and assured for the upgrade of the system to digital.
Ahmed Arabo, Organising Secretary National Association of Private Schools Proprietors, Adamawa Chapter said that the meeting is apt as they understand the right of government over the citizens and right of citizens on government with respect of taxes.
He said that the engagement is very educative and commended USAID for providing them with the opportunity and assured to step down the knowledge acquired to members.
