Lawan tells FIRS, Customs, others to widen tax net

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday tasked the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) to consider widening the tax net rather than overburden the people and business concerns.
Lawan was the Guest Speaker at the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Audit and Recovery of back years Stamp Duties and FIRS’ formal launching of adhesive Stamp for Stamp Duties collection in Nigeria.
“We should rather expand the tax net. Let’s not over burden our businesses or our citizens,” Lawan said at the event which took place in Abuja.
The Senate President said there are many people who are supposed to pay taxes but are not captured in the tax net.
“Let’s expand the tax net and ensure that we have in the net many more Nigerians who are supposed to pay taxes, and you have our support at all times,” Lawan said.
The Senate President said the Senate is aware of the various challenges against the efforts of the FIRS to rejig tax administration in the country especially the global challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the recent posting by FIRS of an impressive first quarter result was an indication that the current leadership of FIRS is working.
“Indeed, this is an indication that agencies of government, if given the necessary all round support and collaboration, will be able to deliver excellent results.
“We will continue to acknowledge, encourage and support the initiatives and efforts of revenue generating agencies of government to improve their revenue collection, especially in these trying times.
“The Senate and the National Assembly will continue to provide the necessary legislative backings and oversight functions that will help maximise the revenue of government and ensure that government is better positioned to deliver on its mandate,” Lawan said.