By Lucy Ogalue
Dr Bode Gbore, Convener of the Government-to-Citizen (G2C) Interface has emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to minimise wasteful expenditure to achieve sustainable development.
Gbore said this at a stakeholder engagement on “The Imperative of Improving Government Revenue and the Role of Stakeholders” on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Taxpayer Services Department.
The convener stated that infrastructure development and national progress were directly tied to effective revenue generation and prudent expenditure management.
“Every nation that must develop requires revenue and must manage it efficiently while minimising expenditure,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria remains a developing nation due to loopholes in its revenue management and the channeling of funds into non-revenue-generating projects.
He said that the country had numerous unnecessary structures that drained resources, which could otherwise be directed towards impactful development.
“We expand into non-revenue-generating infrastructure, and that does not make sense. We need to change this approach to move forward as a nation,” he said.
He also addressed concerns about the perceived lack of visible outcomes from government projects.
Gbore who pointed out that less than 30 per cent of Nigerians paid taxes, reiterated the need to broaden the country’s tax net to increase revenue.
“Yes, I agree that the government must demonstrate results with the little resources it currently has before asking for more.
” But citizens must also take responsibility by participating in governance, paying taxes, and encouraging others to do the same,” he said.
Acknowleding the role of debt in development, he said that borrowing was often necessary for national growth, citing examples of highly developed nations that also ranked among the world’s largest debtors.
He further called for a collaborative approach between citizens and government.
He emphasised the importance of involving people in policy formulation and implementation to bridge the gap between governance and the governed.
“Democracy is not just about the government of the people; it is about the active involvement of people in governance.
” Policies must be developed with citizens from the start, not handed down to them after formulation.
” It is important for the government to update outdated tax laws and leverage automation and technology to improve tax collection efficiency,” he said.
He said that tax laws, like the Stamp Duty Act, were colonial relics that no longer served the realities of 2024 and beyond.
“We need modern, automated systems that integrate data, such as BVNs, to ensure accountability and inclusivity,” he said.
Dr Lovette Ononuga, Director, Taxpayer Services Department, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), expressed the commitment of the service to addressing taxpayer concerns.
Ononuga said that FIRS was committed to resolving issues promptly, and fostering stronger relationships to build a more responsive tax system.
According to her, the Taxpayer Services Department (TSD) focused on improving taxpayer support by providing accurate information, addressing complaints, and assisting with tax compliance.
“The department plays a crucial role in supporting taxpayers with their obligations, resolving complaints impartially, and enhancing the overall taxpayer experience through contact centers, walking centers, and email support.
“These services are aimed at fostering a positive and cooperative relationship between the tax administration and taxpayers to encourage voluntary compliance.
“Through upgraded digital platforms and active social media, the TSD enhances accessibility while engaging in taxpayer advocacy and education.
“These efforts align with the FIRS vision of creating a globally efficient tax administration,” she said.
The engagement concluded with a commitment by G2C and other stakeholders to extend awareness campaigns on tax lie to grassroots communities, ensuring inclusivity in the national development agenda.
The stakeholders also urged the Federal Government to ensure that resources generated through tax were effectively and transparently used for common good of all citizens.
NAN