Most times beyond what we read in the media about agencies of governments; we should pay attention to data and ask questions about the economy.
Even though, few of the tax collectors and Custom Officers may not be professional but FIRS and Customs stands out in Nigeria as Agencies of lifeblood and lifeline.
1. From ancient times, Tax collectors are looked at as corrupt people, whereas they are the lifeline and lifeblood of the economy.
2. They take risk to pursue people and collect tax from them.
3. In Yoruba Language, we say Gentleness does not take palm kernel seed out .( Oju boro ko se gbomo lowo ekuro).
4. We should ask the question; where are we getting all the money being shared by FGN, States and Local Government monthly at FAAC meetings.?
5. Federal Inland Revenue Services collects VAT, Company Income Tax, Education Tax, Capital Gains Tax, NASENI, Police Trust Fund, Stamp Duty and few other taxes.
6. In fact, Tertiary Education Tax is the weapon of Miracle called TETFUND.
7. If Customs do not collect duties; most importers will be happy not to pay a kobo.
8. NIMASA and NPA are also making money for Nigeria.
9. Contribution from joint ventures shares from oil have reduced significantly over the years because of forward contract and oil theft.
10. Thank God for FIRS and Nigeria Custom Service.
11. Recently and as recent as last week, Nigeria Custom Service had a three-day seminar at Transcorp in Abuja and if you follow the CG carefully ; one can see that they will surpass their revenue target this year.
12. FIRS also before the end of the year; will roll out data that shows performance beyond their target.
13. The implication of the above is that rather than spend money we make from Customs and FIRS on agencies that are useless; we should focus on these:
a. Increase the welfare of FIRS and Custom officers.
b. Give them personal cars at all levels.
c. Give them housing loans.
d. Increase their allowances.
e. Give them Hatred Relief Allowance…Yes. Hatred..not hazard ..People don’t like these two agencies….Importers and tax payers dislike them..They also know it.
f. Ensure there are staff buses at key locations to help them get to work and back home.
As much as we should ensure they are friendly; we must take care of these two agencies.
CONCLUSION
Without the Revenue generated by FIRS and Customs, most states would have folded up because FAAC will not have anything to share monthly.
This article is dedicated to FIRS and Nigerian Custom Services for acting as lifeblood and lifeline of Nigeria’s Economy.
The author.
Dr.Gbenga Adeoye is a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant.
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