Expert Wants Nigeria to Focus on Ease of Paying Taxes

By Dipo Olowookere

Federal and state governments have been tasked to ensure payment of taxes by citizens become easier in the country.

This charge was given by a partner of Tax Energy & Natural Resources and People Services at KPMG Nigeria, Mr Adewale Ajayi, while presenting ‘Planning with purpose, 2019 Economic Outlook’ recently.

The tax expert said if government can make tax payment easier in Nigeria, there will be a significant improvement in the nation’s economy as well as the business environment.

“One would expect the government to remain resolute in its commitment to improving the business environment with particular interest on the Ease of Paying Taxes sub index under the ease of doing business index, in which Nigeria currently ranks 171 out of 190 countries, having moved up 11 places from the 2017 ranking,” Mr Ajayi said.

He also urged governments to fast-track enactment of other components of the Petroleum Industry Bill, such as the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and Petroleum Hosts Community Bill to have a promising competitive tax environment.

Mr Ajayi recommended other measures such as, “Reconstitution of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, TAT, ratification of outstanding double tax treaties and the domestication of the provisions of the BPES action points issued by the OECD, elimination of multiple taxes which stifle the growth and survival of small-medium-sized enterprises.”