By BEN AGANDE
ABUJA — President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said decision of the government to introduce the nationwide Tax Identification Number and National Tax Policy was to create a participatory system of taxation, where taxpayers and other stakeholders could see that they have equal stake in the tax system.
President Jonathan, who spoke while formally launching the National Tax Policy, said his government intended to create a self-sufficient economy that could bring development to the people.
He said: "We want to institutionalize a tax culture amongst Nigerians such that we see ourselves as custodians of the tax system and our commonwealth.
"We definitely are on the right track. What we seek to achieve with the introduction of the National Tax Policy, is to have a nation and a people who see taxation as a partnership with government."
He said the launching of the twin events was the culmination of a journey which began almost a decade ago, adding that the idea of a National Tax Policy first arose from the report of a Presidential Study Group and a Private Sector Working Group set up in 2002.
According to him, the groups examined the Nigerian tax system and made recommendations towards entrenching a better tax policy and improved tax administration in the country.
"The National Tax Policy, which we are launching today, is a product of widespread consultation and deliberation at all tiers of government and all sectors of the economy; one which we believe, will lay the foundation for the complete transformation of the Nigerian tax system.
"It sets broad parameters for taxation and other ancillary matters, and provides clear principles governing tax administration and revenue collection.
"The unique Tax Identification Number (TIN) system, introduced by the Joint Tax Board as a collaborative project between the Federal and State Governments, is a key deliverable under the National Tax Policy.
'"TIN is a nationwide electronic database system for the registration and storage of data of tax payers in Nigeria. It is a revolutionary tool for tax administration and holds immense potential not just for expanding the nationwide tax base with consequent increase in revenue collection accruable to all tiers of government, but is also a big step in the modernization of the Nigerian tax system, in line with global best practices and expectations," President Jonathan noted.
Commending the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for her relentless effort in making the policy come to limelight, the President particularly extolled the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service and Chairman, Joint Tax Board, Mrs Ifueko Omoigu, for her 'dedicated and exemplary service to the nation over the last eight years.
"She has, no doubt, put the Nigerian tax system on an impressive pedestal and has overseen reforms and revenue generation that are unmatched in the history of the Nigerian tax system. This government is particularly honoured to have had your distinguished service and, as you conclude your tenure, we wish you unqualified success in all your future endeavours.
"It is my hope that you will be ready and willing to avail the nation of your committed service should occasion demand," Jonathan said.
Vanguard Nigeria