Business
Corruption, Enemy Of Tax Administration – FIRS
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has described corruption as the greatest enemy working against effective tax administration in the country.
The Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Kabiru Marshi, said this in Calabar, Cross River State at a workshop on the ‘Role of Women in Enhancing Revenue Generation and Utilisation for Economic growth’, organised by Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT).
He also said women had critical role to play in revenue generation and tax administration in the country, hence they needed to join in the crusade to fight tax corruption.
According to Marshi, who was represented by a director in the service, Mrs. Juniala Takom, collecting taxes without remitting same into government coffers and evading tax are all corrupt practices, which are hampering tax administration in the country.
He said so many Nigerians were evading tax, a development that was not helping government in its revenue drive.
He said, “Women also need to step up and go for elective posts, while those in positions of authority need to join in the crusade of stamping out corruption, which is the first enemy of progress in ensuring that the populace get value for the taxes they have laboured to pay.
“They also need to ensure that taxation as a culture is impressed on our children and also encourage their husbands to live within the provisions of the law.”
The FIRS chairman also advised women to take the issue of taxation down to the grassroots, adding that the FIRS was currently working on a presumptive tax regime for the informal sector.
“As SWIT members, you have the moral responsibility to join in the campaign for voluntary compliance, such as religious organisations, professional bodies, associations and market groups,” he said.
In her speech, the wife of Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, said it was remarkable to witness the quantitative and qualitative strength of women in taxation, normally viewed as a male dominated industry.
Imoke described SWIT members as living proof of the magnitude and impact of women on the economic growth of the nation adding “Gender in Nigeria Report 2012’’ shows that Nigeria currently ranks 118 of 134 countries in the Gender Equality Index.
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
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