NGO, Stakeholders Bemoan Multiple Taxation In Anambra

The Justice of Peace and
Development Commission, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, has called on the Anambra government to evolve an effective tax structure to check multiple taxation in the state.
The commission, through Rev Fr Edwin Udoye, it’s Executive Director, made the call at a stakeholders’ dialogue on tax administration themed “Tax Justice Advocacy” in Onitsha recently.
The forum had in attendance, representatives of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Board of Internal Revenue, civil society groups, delegates from markets, and entrepreneurs among others.
“Tax justice I will simply say is the collection of taxes from payers according to their ability to pay and utilising it for the purpose of providing essential amenities in line with social contract.
“Nevertheless, we have noticed with dismay, the process of tax collection in the state; in some cases it’s crude and uncivilised.
“Often, tax agents in the state or in the local government engage some cabals or touts and hooligans to brutalise, intimidate and  indiscriminately harass innocent citizens.
“Therefore, as a way forward, I will ask that government set up a task force that will involve people with integrity and honesty and also advocate that they should have a tax complaint commission or office in the state and local government.
Mr Emma Okeke, Secretary of Street Traders and Artisans Association, Nkpor, said their members had been severally harassed, exploited and molested by different groups who claimed to be agents of the government.
Okeke said the tax system was exploitative and was becoming a great disincentive  to entrepreneurship.