Strategic Partnership to Combat Illegal Tax Collection
The Joint Revenue Board (JRB), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Mr Segun Adesokan, has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Police Force aimed at tackling illegal tax collection and dismantling roadblocks set up for this purpose across the country. This collaboration marks a significant step in ensuring that revenue administration is conducted in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner.
During a high-level engagement with senior officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Adesokan emphasized the JRB’s mandate to ensure uniformity, transparency, and efficiency in revenue administration. He highlighted the importance of aligning efforts between the two institutions to address the challenges posed by illegal tax practices.
Tax Reforms Under President Bola Tinubu
In a statement from the agency on Sunday, Adesokan reiterated that the ongoing tax reforms championed by President Bola Tinubu are designed to promote fairness and economic growth. These reforms focus on taxing prosperity rather than poverty and profits rather than investments. A major highlight of the reforms is the prohibition of illegal tax practices that have long burdened businesses and citizens, particularly along transport corridors.
Adesokan recalled that the JRB, at its 158th meeting in December 2023, issued a communiqué banning the mounting of roadblocks for tax and levy collection, as well as the use of unauthorized tax stickers nationwide. This move was aimed at eliminating the financial strain on citizens and businesses.
Model Harmonised Taxes and Levies Act
Further reinforcing this stance, Adesokan disclosed that a Model Harmonised Taxes and Levies Act, already passed by 15 State Houses of Assembly and under consideration in others, criminalizes cash-based tax collection, illegal roadblocks, and the involvement of non-state actors in revenue collection on public roads.
“These unlawful practices not only harass citizens but significantly increase the cost of goods and services, as transporters are forced to pass on illegal charges to consumers,” he stated.
Establishing a Joint National Task Force
To address this challenge, the JRB has proposed the establishment of a joint national task force in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force. The task force will operate across all states, working closely with revenue authorities to identify, dismantle, and prosecute illegal tax operators.
In response, a representative of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abdul Suleiman, mni/DIG Finance and Administration, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Inspector General of Police’s commitment to supporting the JRB. The Force acknowledged the economic and security implications of illegal roadblocks and assured that Commissioners of Police across all states would collaborate fully with the Board and the Chairmen of Sub-National Tax Authorities in the 36 states and the FCT to eliminate this menace.
Balancing Enforcement and Stakeholder Engagement
The Police also emphasized the need for a balanced approach, combining enforcement with stakeholder engagement, to address the root causes of illegal tax collection, including the involvement of some local authorities. Both institutions agreed to develop a comprehensive implementation strategy to ensure the success of the initiative, marking a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s business environment and safeguarding citizens from unlawful taxation.
Key Participants in the Initiative
Part of the delegation included Isyaku Mohammed, PhD/DIG Training and Development; Kenechukwu Onwuemelie/DIG Force Intelligence Department; Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, mni/DIG ICT; and Umar Shehu Nadada, mni/DIG Department of Operations. On the JRB side was the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, Michael Ango.
