Pulse.ng : KADIRS inaugurates GRM committee to address taxpayers' grievances, complainants

By Our Reporter

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), has inaugurated a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) committee to address and resolve complaints and grievances of taxpayers.

Inaugurating the GRM committee on Monday in Kaduna, the Executive Chairman of the KADIRS, Mr Jerry Adams, said the committee is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the revenue collection process through a seamless grievance resolution in Kaduna State.

By providing a platform for taxpayers to express their grievances, Adams said the KADIRS aims to build trust and confidence among the taxpaying public.

This, he said is also in line with the state government's efforts to enhance revenue generation and improve the overall business environment and service delivery.

"The inauguration of the GRM committee is a significant step towards ensuring that taxpayers' concerns are heard and addressed promptly.

"As KADIRS continues to work towards achieving its revenue goals, the GRM committee will be instrumental in fostering a positive and collaborative relationship between the tax authority and the taxpaying public".

Adams thanked the Tax Justice and Governance Platform for its collaboration with the KADIRS on issues related to tax, describing it as been fruitful over the years.

He urged the committee to promote good relationships, and ensure transparency in all issues it handles.

"The members of the community are quite experienced and capable and we trust they will handle this assignment given to them excellently as they always do,"he said.

Chairman of the committee, Dr. Muhammad Lawal, said

as the committee begins to work, they may opt more members as their efforts will be required to help the committee.

He said that, Currently, most complaint liaison work is handled at the unit or departmental level that are relevant to the nature of the complaint.

This, he said include personal income tax, local government, transportation, and other relevant areas.

Muhammad, however, said the Corporate Communications Office and PR unit carry much of the load because they provide the face of the KADIRS to taxpayers.

He thanked the Tax Justice and Governance Platform for its collaboration in relevant areas to the service in achieving its mandate over the years and ensuring that KADIRS becomes the leading body in the entire Northern state.

He also, recognised the support of Christian Aid Nigeria in promoting efficiency in the discharge of the KADIRS duties as it relates to the taxpayers particularly vulnerable groups in the state.

He urged the committee members to work hard towards achieve the aims and objectives of the committee.

Also, Mr Simeon Olatunde, the Coordinator of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform in Kaduna, recounted the opportunity they had for collaborating with the KADIRS over the year.

Olatunde, who doubled as a program officer with Hope for Communities and Children Initiative (H4CC), emphasised that the opportunity and support from the executive chairman of the service birthed numerous achievements.

According to him, the GRM committee is one of the fundamental requirements to show that the KADIRS care about the taxpayers.

Olatunde, therefore, said the GRM committee is a structured platform that enables taxpayers to report and resolve grievances related to tax services.

"The committee's primary function is to receive, investigate, and address complaints in a fair, transparent, and timely manner.

"This process ensures that taxpayers' concerns are heard and resolved promptly, promoting a positive and collaborative relationship between the tax authority and taxpayers",he said.

He added that the committee aimed to reduce disputes, increase voluntary tax compliance, and enhance the overall quality of tax services.

"Ultimately, the GRM committee seeks to build trust and confidence among taxpayers, ensuring that their concerns are addressed in a fair and timely manner", he said.

Olatunde thanked the Executive Chairman for his reform mindedness and for inaugurating the committee of brilliant members.