Tax Justice Network (TJN) has called for collaboration with Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) to improve tax compliance in Kaduna State.
The Coordinator of TJN, Mr Simeon Olatunde made the call during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology in Kaduna.
The Coordinator explained that their aim was to facilitate the development of an effective legal and policy regime that promotes a fair, progressive and transparent tax system and administration in Kaduna State.
Olatunde also explained that partnership was necessary as it would enhance tax education and enlightenment that will improve people’s understanding of various tax policies.
“Our vision is to have a human society with a fair, progressive and transparent tax system as the basis for promoting sustainable development, eradicating poverty and creating equity for State residents”.
“The Network advocates for equity and inclusive prosperity in Nigeria to foster socio-economic justice through an equitable and fair tax system”.
“TJN is also advocating for pro-poor tax policies and strengthening of tax system to promote domestic resources mobilisation and drive reform to institutionalize transparency and accountability in the public finance management system”.
Responding, the Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, expressed dismay that business owners in Kaduna don’t register their businesses which is a very big problem for them in the ministry, she added.
“We do registration of businesses, all businesses in the State are supposed to register with us but unfortunately just very few that come for registration”.
The commissioner, who was represented by deputy director, Business and Industrial Development Department (BID), Bayei Peter Naman tasked business owners in the State to register their businesses with the ministry.
“As long as you are doing business in Kaduna State, you must register with business premises registration, it is through there that the ministry generates funds for the government”.
Also, the assistant director, BID, Yakubu Ibrahim disclosed that citizens of the State don’t pay tax voluntarily, saying that tax payment is key to every development.
