By Sani Idris
The Kaduna Tax Justice Network (TJN), says it is working with the Kaduna State Government to ensure that taxpayers get quality service for tax remittance.
Its Coordinator, Mr Simeon Olatunde, stated this during the network’s second quarter review meeting in Kaduna on Saturday.
Olatunde explained that the TJN was working with relevant stakeholders to promote fair, just, equitable and progressive tax regime in Kaduna State.
He said that the network was building an alliance with the government to ensure that the money collected as taxes from citizens were invested in development projects.
This, according to him, will enable the taxpayers to get value for their money, which in the long run will encourage voluntary tax compliance.
He explained that the goal of the meeting was to review progress and challenges recorded in the second quarter and develop strategies for improving performance in the third quarter.
“We also want the members, especially new ones to have a better understanding of how the network works and get acquainted with the new Finance Act.
“There is also the need for members to know more about taxation and how the network is working with the state government to entrench citizens-centred tax administration,” Olatunde said.
Mr Obafunso Rahman, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Taxation, Kaduna District, said that citizens contribute to the running of government through payment of taxes.
Rahman, who spoke on taxation and its purpose, emphasised that every citizen must pay tax, explaining that every expense of the government was drawn from the taxes.
“Every citizen must contribute to the government through payment of tax, for the development of public infrastructures and provision of critical services.
“This money is what the government uses to provide services like security, healthcare, and education among other social services,” he said.
Rahman advised against tax evasion, adding that the government would not be able to carry out its obligations if people indulged in evading tax.
“If you evade tax, you can be punished for it,” he added.
Mr Chinedu Bassey, Programme Manager. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Abuja, who spoke virtually, stressed the need for a strong working synergy between the network and tax administrators in the state.
Bassey also encouraged members of the network to improve their knowledge on taxation and relevant laws and policies for effective engagement of the sector, to create the needed impact.
This, he said, would enable the network to understand government actions or inactions and how to engage the process for better outcome.
NAN reports that TJN is a network of CSOs, organised private sector, individuals, and media partners, engaging issues related to tax justice.
The partners are collaboratively promoting a fair, just equitable and progressive tax regime in Kaduna State.
The network is advocating for equity and inclusive prosperity that will foster social and economic justice through an equitable and fair tax system that holds public officials and service providers accountable. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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