In a bid to enforce tax compliance among politicians and prevent default by the political class, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, unveiled a proposed executive bill.
This bill aims to amend existing tax laws and disqualify politicians found guilty of tax evasion from seeking elective offices.
Speaking at the 2024 strategic retreat for staff of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Abuja, Oyedele outlined key reforms, including plans for a national tax amnesty programme titled the “Voluntary Disclosure or Declaration Programme.”
Emphasising the need for effective tax compliance, he stated, “We’re moving beyond a tax clearance certificate, which can be easily obtained. Effective compliance involves a thorough examination of tax declarations, filings, and payments to determine if a candidate is genuinely fulfilling his tax responsibilities as outlined in the constitution.”
Oyedele reflected on past initiatives such as the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), noting that greater success could have been achieved with stronger involvement from the JTB.
Learning from past experiences, he stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address concerns and ensure the success of future programmes.
Highlighting proposed reforms to transform the JTB’s role, Oyedele mentioned plans to replace the traditional tax return system and establish a new entity with a broader scope. Despite the changes, he affirmed that the JTB’s core function of coordinating and harmonising all taxes and levies would remain unchanged.
Secretary of the JTB, Olusegun Adesokan, emphasised the need for adaptation in the face of significant reforms in the domestic tax ecosystem. He urged JTB staff to embrace collaboration and innovation to ensure the continued success of the organisation in tax administration.
