Tax evaders face a tough challenge in the reform plans.
The federal government is determined not only to widen the tax net but to prevent evasion, according to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Yesterday, the minister inaugurated the 50-person Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), reports The Nation.
Its mandate is to resolve tax disputes and increase revenue for key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education.
The TAT will operate across the six geopolitical zones with different offices in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The inauguration of the new set of TAT commissioners came over six months after the July 2024 expiration of the tenure of the last set.
The inauguration, conducted in line with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Establishment Act 2007, took place in Abuja.
Edun noted that the TAT plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and efficient resolution of tax disputes, which helps attract investment and create a business-friendly environment.
He said: “Tax evasion must be curtailed to maintain trust in Nigeria’s tax system and support national development.
“Reducing tax evasion is essential for strengthening the tax system and funding national development.
“While tax avoidance is within the law, we must ensure that tax evasion is prevented.”
The inauguration is in anticipation of the passage of the tax reform bills by the National Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.
The bills have scaled second reading at both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
They are now for public hearing on Monday and Tuesday at the Senate and on Wednesday at the House.
The lawmakers have assured that the bills will be passed for presidential assent before the end of this month.
Edun noted improvements in economic indicators, including stabilising inflation, declining food prices, and increased oil production.
According to him, these developments reflect the progress of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda intended to promote sustainable growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, highlighted the key objectives of the Tribunal.
These include reducing the incidents of tax evasion, ensuring fairness and transparency in tax administration and minimising delays and bottlenecks in the adjudication of tax disputes.
She urged the new commissioners to be upright, not toe the path of infamy but adjudicate disputes according to the constitution.
The Coordinating Secretary of the TAT, Anita Erinne, expressed profound appreciation to the ministers for their unflinching support which has encouraged the Tribunal to achieve its set goals.
She was confident the Tribunal would promote confidence in Nigeria’s tax system.
Erinne enjoined the commissioners to hit the ground running and urged the taxpayers and the general public to take advantage of the Tribunal for speedy resolution of tax disputes.
A commissioner, Aderibigbe Adedeji (SAN), expressed appreciation on behalf of his colleagues to the government for finding them worthy.
He promised that the Tribunal would live up to its constitutional mandates and expectations.
Other commissioners of the TAT include: Soyinka-Onijala Moremi, Amoman Oyedele, Falana Gbenga, Ezeudeka Chukwudi, Ibrahim Amina, Ohagwa Chinyere, Olatunde Odanye, Akinola Akindele, Akwiwu Anne, Adimula Ruth, Olamide Obajimi, Agbeluyi Olushola, Obidegwu Chukwuma, Ogunniyi Iyabode, Ladapo Abimbola, Ajila Balelayo, Yussuf Mojirola and Oyenuga Adesola.
Others are Ummahani Amin, Garba James, Yerima Adamu, Kabir Albakariyu, Ajaegbu Idowu, Okpe Ochanya, Nasiru Muhammad, Adamu Kish, Amadi Ladidi, Bello-Ismail Bintah, Agbu Andrew, Medaiyedu Stephen, Ali Inna, Adebisi Femi, Lwahasmang Setshak Gongle, Obayomi Wole, Obayemi Kolawole, Sanni Sheriff, Fatutu Omotayo, Balogun Yetunde and Nwala Chukwudi.
The rest are Egbo Jude, Okide Ezigbo, Eromosele Ailenoghionmhan, Sunsuwa Audu, Unimna Ungwugwaye, Eiya Ofiafoh, Aborisade Adeola, Asoro Osariuyimen and Olayinka Adewale.
