By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue service, Mr. Samuel Ogungbesan, yesterday, unveiled his strategic policy measures, saying he would simplify tax administration in the country and make it easy for individuals and corporate organizations to pay their taxes. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, he said that he would be professional and strengthen the economy through a robust tax administration while plugging every leakage in the system.

According to Mr. Ogungbesan, his team would be led by “professionalism , integrity, efficiency”, in what he described as a “nation building” task , as the FIRS staff work towards raking in revenue to enable the government deliver on it development responsibilities.

“I promise to run a professional, competent and 21st Century tax agency which every Nigerian will be proud of. We shall continue to be transparent and be candid in our interactions and relationships with all taxpayers and stakeholders.

“I have a passion for professional tax work and all things that edify the human soul.   I promise to discharge my duties with all the strength that God has given me.   I am convinced positive personal values impact on all work, more so revenue collection”, he assured. The new helmsman pledged to ensure an FIRS where requests for Tax Identification Numbers, TIN, Tax clearance Certificates and other such requests from members of the public would be processed without delay.   He added that there would be “timely closure to tax audits.

No room for tax evaders

The Chairman warned however that tax evaders would have difficulties in the days ahead as according to him, the service’s processes were being strengthened to bring in all those who were outside the system. His words, “We will deepen our operations to include key sectors like the telecommunications, power, aviation and   banking.   We will not lose sight of non-filers and players in the informal; sector. Tax evaders will have no hiding place. I promise you, working with my team, we will ensure that happens.   I assure you, tax dodgers will have no place under this regime”.

Dealing with multiple taxation

While focusing on deepening the organisation’s overall   revenue generation for the government, Mr. Ogungbesan said that steps were already being taken towards eliminating multiple taxation, which has been identified as a major problem of private sector operators in the country.

According to him, multiple taxes on the same business discourage investors and therefore counter-productive and that a legal document to streamline taxes in the country was already before the Attorney-General of the Federation with a view to coming out with a law to make taxation less cumbersome for businesses. The chairman said that the list of taxes to be collected across board among the three tiers of government would eliminate the problem of unnecessary levies at various levels.