A former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr Chukwuemeka Eze, has told state governments to grant autonomy to the Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) in the states.

Eze told newsmen in Lagos recently that the gesture would enable the SIRS to perform optimally.

He said that it was unethical for government to directly be involved in the affairs of the SIRS.

Eze said that CITN had written to all state governments in the country to allow the SIRS to manage their affairs without interference.

He said that only five states had honoured the letter.

“About five states out of the 36 states have honoured our letters on the need to grant autonomy to the SIRS – they are Lagos, Sokoto, Adamawa, Ekiti and Benue.

“We have written letters to State governments on the need to grant autonomy to the various SIRS.

“However, we will continue to press harder to ensure the remaining state governments implement our plea,” he said.

Eze said that tax administration had become a great challenge due to government’s involvement in running the tax authorities.

“When a new government assumes office, the first thing is to remove the chairman of the revenue board and appoint its own,” he said.

Eze said that the autonomy would enable the tax administrators “hire and fire any erring official”.

He noted that the autonomy would instill professionalism and enhance efficiency by way of improved revenue generation into government’s coffers.