Presidential Committee Advocates USSD, Digital Tax Payment, Reforms For Efficient Collection

January 24, 2024
How Nigerian Govt Can Generate N10trn From Non-oil Assets Annually – Tax Panel Chair

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has recommended the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and other digital channels for tax payments across Nigeria’s three tiers of government.

Oyedele revealed the plan on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to alleviate the burden of numerous existing taxes on citizens.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

Speaking directly, Oyedele highlighted the proposal’s key aspects, including the cancellation of burdensome taxes, the harmonization of justifiable ones, and the digitization of the collection process using USSD.

READ ALSO: Licensed Customs Agents Urge Govt Action On Exchange Rates, Taxation To Revive Maritime Sector

He stressed the potential benefits of driving efficiency, reducing leakages, and promoting accountability through this modern approach.

Drawing attention to the current tax landscape, Oyedele pointed out that the multitude of taxes, levies, and charges—especially at the state and local government levels—disproportionately affect small businesses and low-income earners.

He expressed concern about unauthorized taxes and the associated challenges faced by individuals like petty traders, artisans, and transporters.

In a bid to address the social dimension of these reforms, Oyedele presented two options: recruiting and training new personnel for compliance or instilling civility in existing collectors.

He advocated for the latter, emphasizing a more sustainable solution to avoid potential backlash and social crises.

“The success of our reforms lies in finding a win-win outcome for all stakeholders,” Oyedele asserted, inviting criticisms and actively seeking feedback from the public.

He emphasized the Committee’s openness to engaging with diverse perspectives, reinforcing the commitment to creating a tax system that benefits both the government and its citizens.

Emmanuel Ochayi
+ posts

Featured Stories

Latest from Business

Tinubu Constitutes Taskforce to Revamp Petroleum Industry

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a Presidential Petroleum Reform and Value Optimisation Taskforce to plan the next stage of reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Mr Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and founder of the Fate Foundation, was appointed chairman of

Investigation Reveals 23 Damaged Components on Arik Air Flight

Nigeria’s air accident investigators said a passenger aircraft operated by Arik Air suffered damage to at least 23 components after an abnormal engine incident during a flight in February. In a preliminary report released on Friday, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said
Why CBN Retained Bencmark Interest Rate At 27.5%

CBN Directs Banks to Deny Debtors New Loans

Central Bank of Nigeria has directed commercial banks to deny additional credit and certain banking services to large borrowers with non-performing loans, in a move aimed at strengthening credit discipline and reducing financial risks in the banking system. In a letter dated March 12,
Bulls Charge Ahead As NGX Shatters Records As Market Cap Surpasses N50trn

RT Briscoe Tops NGX Losers’ List, Guinness Among Gainers

The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) was N127.36 trillion on Friday, March 13, while the all-share index (ASI) closed at 198,407.3 ASI. Equity investors traded 591.04 million shares in 53,066 deals, valued at N35 billion on Friday.Join our WhatsApp Channel
NGX ASI Further Drops By 0.67%, As BUA Cement, Eterna Among Top Losers
Previous Story

NGX Surges To Record Highs, As Market Cap Hits N55.58trn

OPay Set To Block Accounts With KYC Problem From March 
Next Story

OPay Set To Block Accounts With KYC Problem From March 

Don't Miss

Grid Collapse: TCN Installs System For Real-time Monitoring Of Power Grid Performance

TCN Decries Spate Of Attacks On Power Facilities, Hoodlums Vandalise Lokoja-Gwagwalada Transmission Line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has decried the spate
WhatsApp Image 2021 07 17 at 3.03.50 PM

What You Should Know About INEC’s LIST: An Explainer

By CJ Ubaka FRIDAY, July 16, 2021, the Independent National