By Mohammed Mohammed
The Federal Government has called on all Nigerians with means of livelihood to imbibe the culture of tax payment as part of measures aimed at improving the socio-economic transformation of the country.
This government said is in line with the policy thrust of the present Administration.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, made the call in her Office when the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), the female arm of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Nigeria, (CITN) paid her a courtesy visit.
According to her, the role of SWIT has become more challenging, especially with the spate of insecurity in some parts of the country as well as the decline in revenue generation from oil. She therefore called on them to create more awareness and sensitization on the issue of commitment to tax payment by Nigerians to enable the realization of the Federal Government’s policy thrust which is anchored on security, economy and ensuring transparency in government business through the fight against corruption.
Ehuriah assured that the ministry will continue to collaborate with any government Agency, non-governmental organization or society with a view to improving internal security and citizenship integrity in line with its mandate.
She said that for government to continue to provide the basic infrastructure that will bring about socio-economic development, public safety and security of Nigerians, there is an urgent need for diversification of the economy so as to meet up with the present economic realities.
The Permanent Secretary who said that tax payment was part of the constitutional responsibility of Nigerians, described tax evasion as a criminal offence and advised those who are indulging in the habit to show patriotism to the country by ensuring that they pay their taxes as at when due.
Earlier, the National President, Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Hajia Kudirat Abdulhameed said that they were in the ministry as part of their sensitization and awareness campaign on tax payment by all Nigerians who have a means of livelihood.
Kudirat noted that women have a critical role to play in ensuring safety and security in all nations, adding that SWIT has been involved in a number of activities aimed at promoting the ideals and mandates of CITN as well as carrying out projects that greatly impact positively on members of the Society.