An appeal has been made to the National Assembly to pass the bill seeking for the establishment of National Inspector General for Tax Crimes Commission (NIGTCC), before embarking on the end of year holiday.
The National coordinator, Association of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria on Revenue and Economy, Mr Orji Phillips, made the call while briefing the house of Representatives press at the National Assembly
Mr Phillips said the Bill will entrench a transparent, efficient and a fair taxation system in Nigeria.
According to him, the NIGTCC bill would protect FIRS employees from improprieties and external attempts to corrupt or threaten them.
It will “Provide policy direction, conduct, supervise and coordinate audits and investigations related to FIRS programmes and operations.
“Review existing and proposed legislation and regulations related to FIRS programmes and operations and make recommendations concerning the impact of such legislations or regulations, promote economy and efficiency in the administration of the tax laws.
“Inform the auditor general and the legislative congress of problems and deficiencies identified and of the progresses made in resolving them”, he said.
Mr. Phillips noted that it is also the duty of the legislators to fast track the passage of the bill into law as the watchdog in the nation’s tax administration, to save the lives of unborn generations.
He noted that after its enactment, it would rekindle the distrust and disbelief that Nigerians have in the government and equally inculcate discipline amongst tax payer and the tax man.
According to him, the nation will witness a tremendous inflow of tax revenue of over 30% ratio to GDP if the bill is passed and the body established.
He warned that a dishonest, regressive and weak taxation system is a threat against humanity, economy, security and democracy.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that there is hope and that our future is very bright. I also want to plead with our NGO’s such as the NLC, ASUU, NBA, NUJ, NANS, Nigeria Women organizations, our Royal Fathers (the Kings) and our Religious Leaders, to join my group and I to persuade the NASS and Mr. President to pass the National Inspector General for Tax Crimes Commission Bill into Law, because the first human right and democratic struggle in the world started from upholding a transparent taxation system”, Phillip appealed.
The NIGTCC bill is being sponsored in the Senate by the Chief whip, Senator Orji Kalu and in the lower chamber by the House spokesman, Hon Benjamin Kalu.
The bill has a mission to provide quality professional Audit, Investigative and Inspection and evaluation service that promote Integrity, economy and efficiency in the Nigeria tax administration.
