By Chris Nyamtu
A Professor of Accounting and Taxation at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Abdullahi Zubairu, has advocated the establishment of a National Tax Council to coordinate all revenue-generating agencies for effective tax reform and improved service delivery in Nigeria.
Professor Zubairu made the call during a public lecture held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The lecture attracted participants from academia, traditional institutions and students who gathered to brainstorm on ways of developing an effective tax regime capable of ensuring visible service delivery to Nigerians.
Presenting a paper titled, “Designing an Effective Governance Framework for Tax Reform in Nigeria’s Developing Economy,” Professor Zubairu urged leaders at the three tiers of government to revisit the post-colonial era when citizens were enthusiastic and cooperative in paying taxes due to confidence in governance and accountability.
According to him, leaders must begin to critically examine why Nigerians who once willingly paid taxes are now becoming increasingly reluctant due to corruption, poor governance and lack of accountability in the management of public resources.
Professor Zubairu explained that one of the major ways to enhance transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in tax administration is the establishment of a national agency to coordinate revenue collection and monitor how tax proceeds are utilised for the benefit of citizens, while also protecting the rights of taxpayers.
He stressed the need for attitudinal change and sustained advocacy towards building a sustainable tax framework that would be responsive to the needs of the people through infrastructural development and improved social services.
In a remark, the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, called on Nigerians to embrace the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the policies would ultimately improve the living conditions of citizens.
In a keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Maikano Mohammed Ari, urged academics and policymakers to focus on research and innovation aimed at developing result-oriented tax policies.(Radio Nigeria)
