We’re streamlining multiple taxes, unorthodox collection methods – Taiwo Oyedele
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele says his team is streamlining multiple taxes and unorthodox methods to collect tax in the country.
Oyedele in a statement posted via his X account on Wednesday, lamented that there are even more unauthorised taxes all disproportionately affecting small businesses including petty traders, hawkers, artisans, truckers, cart pushers, okada riders and other transporters.
He said his team’s focus is to repeal many of these burdensome taxes, harmonise the few that are justifiable, and digitise the collection process with multiple channels including USSD to drive efficiency, reduce leakages and promote accountability.
“Engaging the public in fiscal policy reforms is crucial, so we seize every opportunity to share our plans, and our thought process, provide clarifications and address areas of concern, all in the public interest.
“Currently, we have over 60 taxes, levies and charges across the 3 levels of government with state and local governments administering 46 taxes and levies, including road taxes, motor park levies, truck, canoe, wheelbarrow and cart fees etc. There are even more unauthorised taxes all disproportionately affecting small businesses including petty traders, hawkers, artisans, truckers, cart pushers, okada riders and other transporters.
“The associated costs are inevitably passed on to consumers, mostly low income earners. The payers also have to contend with the unorthodox means of collection and harassment from untrained “revenue collectors” on highways, markets, streets etc while there is very little to show for the revenues collected.
“Our proposal is to repeal many of these burdensome taxes, harmonise the few that are justifiable, and digitise the collection process with multiple channels including USSD to drive efficiency, reduce leakages and promote accountability.
“We recognise that these reforms also have a social dimension. We have a choice to recommend that new personnel be recruited and trained to drive compliance or we can train the existing collectors to be civil in their approach. While the former may lead to potential backlash, the latter offers a more sustainable solution, avoiding social crises and providing relief to small businesses. Our reforms stand a better chance of success when we find a win-win outcome for all stakeholders than those which seek to alienate others.
“We welcome criticisms and always cherish the opportunity to engage. We are open to and actively seek feedback and ideas from the public. Please share your thoughts, feedback and ideas with us including alternative perspectives to refine our approach.”
