Public Trust, Awareness Influencing Tax Payment in Anambra – Commissioner

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake has attributed increased compliance to tax payment in the state to trust and awareness creation among the citizenry.

The Commissioner disclosed this while hosting members of Tax Justice and Governance Platform, (TJ&GP), on an advocacy visit to his office, under the Tax for Service Project implemented in partnership with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC) with funding support from Oxfam Nigeria.

She said significant improvement in tax compliance followed public trust and and confidence on government’s prudent utilization of their resources as well as enlightenment and orientation on importance of tax payment.

She however cautioned against using lack of certain needs in the market as excuses for non payment of taxes.

She said, “I think two reasons why we’re where we are today is awareness and trust. Before now, people think it’s only the rich that pay taxes, but that notion is gradually eroding.

“Citizens compliance to tax payment has increased because they now see how their money is being prudently utilized.

“I’m not ignorant of the needs in the markets. Definitely we will look at them. But traders must be committed in doing their own part before making demands from government.

“Tax remains an obligation which eligible citizens are expected to pay. It’s only when this obligation is fulfilled that they can hold government accountable. They should desist from using lack of needs as excuses for not paying their taxes.”

While commending the team for the advocacy intervention which she described as complementary to government’s efforts in increasing internally generated revenue, Nnake assured closer and extensive look at the report.

“The state appreciates your campaign because you’re lending voice to what AIRS is doing especially in terms of awareness creation.

“If this presentation had come before the budget, perhaps that would have been captured. All the same, I suggest a roundtable meeting with local government leadership and other critical stakeholders to brainstorm on these issues to ensure actionable delivery.

“Most of these markets fall under the local government jurisdiction. They may need to intervene. Aside collection of taxes, their major mandate include provisions of these facilities.

Earlier, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, host of Tax Justice and Governance Platform and leader of the team said project aimed at improving tax compliance among citizens and increasing the internally generated revenue, IGR of the state.

She said the team was in the ministry in recognition of its critical role in the process.

“We acknowledge the achievements of the present administration and we recognize your ministry is crucial in this process. If some of these needs are to be budgeted for, it can be achieved with the support of your ministry,” she added.