BACCIMA demands fairness from FIRS on withholding tax

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to uphold the same standards of accountability it imposes on the private sector.
Speaking at a press briefing in Bauchi, BACCIMA President, Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Danmaliki, said it was unjust for government agencies to penalise businesses over tax deadlines while failing to meet their own obligations.
“If businesses are required to meet strict tax deadlines under threat of penalty, then government agencies like the FIRS must also be obligated to fulfil their commitments promptly, with consequences for failure,” Danmaliki declared.
He described the chamber’s demand as a quest for fairness, not privilege, stressing that a credible tax system must be built on equity and mutual responsibility.
Danmaliki highlighted concerns over the handling of Withholding Tax (WHT) refunds, which he said rightfully belong to the private sector until full reconciliation is made.
“The FIRS enforces a 10 per cent WHT deduction on contract sums to ensure compliance. However, when a company fully meets its tax obligations, the deducted funds are supposed to be refunded — a provision that is rarely respected,” he explained.
The BACCIMA president urged the revenue agency to honour its commitments to contractors and the business community, warning that continued delays in refunds undermine confidence in Nigeria’s tax system.