The proposed tax reform in Nigeria has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the country’s economy and citizens.
While the reform aims to increase revenue for Nigeria, we are worried that it may disproportionately benefit a single individual and his group, particularly the owner of Remita, the agent responsible for collecting taxes if the collecting agent is not a government agency.
In what seem like an opposition to the recent Tax Reform Bill, a Niger Delta Ex-agitator called Lord Onipa also known as Owous Gabon stated that, “the bill itself is not bad, but that Nigerians are concerned with the receiving end. He suggests a federal government agency that will be transparent in its dealings, be responsible for collection of the returns, and not through remita. So that, the collection can reflect in the development of the nation which was part of the aims and not to enrich an individual or the owners of remita.
In a brief interview with state reporters Nigeria on Tuesday morning, he said this was only an introduction of his stance on behalf of Nigerians.
Advantages of the Tax Reform:
– Increased Revenues. The reform could generate more income for Nigeria, which could be used to fund public amenities and infrastructure.
– Simplified Tax Collection.
A more efficient tax collection system could reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for citizens to comply with tax laws.
Disadvantages of the Tax Reform:
– Unequal Distribution of Benefits.
– The reform might disproportionately benefit the owner of Remital, rather than the Nigerian people as a whole.
– Conflict of Interest.
– The ownership of Remital by a single individual could lead to unfair business practices and favoritism of Transparency: The tax collection process might not be transparent, making it difficult to track how funds are being used.
To address these concerns, it’s essential to ensure that the tax reform is fair, transparent, and benefits all Nigerians equally.
