Enugu and District Society Tax Week Ends in Grand style as Revenue Generation Tops Agenda

          BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU

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Strictly, taxation is not a new phenomenon as the major source of revenue to the Nigerian government at all levels, dating back to the colonial era. Be that as it may, the nagging issue has always been whether tax revenue had been effectively utilised for the economic development of the country.

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In a research paper entitled: “The history and development of tax in Nigeria – an overview”, Dekker, Nicolaas Marthinus

contend, “Due to various complex issues, such as the cultural differences in the country, a large informal sector, rampant tax evasion and corruption, a decay in the rule of law, constant political turmoil and lack of stability in the government the attempts at reforming the tax system and improving the structures have largely been unsuccessful. The government has not been able to collect sufficient taxes to efficiently and effectively administer the day-to-day running of the country.”

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Perhaps, it was against the afore-mentioned backdrop that the theme of the week-long activities of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Enugu and District Society, which began in Enugu the Enugu State capital on Tuesday, November 14, drew so much attention from both professional accountants, government and members of the public, including journalists.

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The duo of Adenine Okebu and Sandra George, Special Advisers to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Taxation and representative of Head of Service, Kelvin Ezeugwu as well as Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue, Sam Nnamani, Ozor Chidiebere Eczema, Ex-Head of Service  took their time briefly to advise the audience on the need to chart the way forward.

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The theme which was entitled: “Tax Reforms and Revenue Generation in Nigeria: A Focus on Enugu State”, had Chief Elias Igwebuike Agbo presenting the Lead Paper while Chief Tom Onyeagwa, a renowned chartered accountant was saddled with the responsibility of chairing the occasion.

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The event proper began with introduction of the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Onyeagwa, the Chairman of the CITN, Enugu and District Society, Chief Dr Nkemdilim Virginia Udeh, representatives of the government, and a host of other dignitaries to the high table by the Master of Ceremony (MC)

Shortly after the formal exchange of pleasantries by the men on high table, national anthem was taken, followed by an opening prayer and presentation of kola-nut.

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The chairman of the occasion, Chief Onyeagwa set the ball rolling with his incisive open remarks, recalling with nostalgia his days as a young accountant.

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Onyeagwa commended the leadership of Chief Dr Nkemdilim Virginia Udeh for her prowess, stressing that her organisational ability and the calibre of people in attendance showed that CITN is a serious professional association with proactive leaders.

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The philanthropist whose expertise span across academia, professional practice, industry and government, noted that the theme of this year’s event was apt and timing.

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In her welcome address, the Chairman of CITN, Enugu and District Society, Chief Dr Nkemdilim Virginia Udeh, said in the spirit of spreading the tax gospel, the District has visited other Tertiary Institutions and the Orientation Camp Awgu.

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Udeh noted, “The theme is very timely and topical when we consider the current erratic nature of our general revenue data and statistics as stated above.”

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“To make the discussion worthwhile, we have engaged a seasoned facilitator who is vast in the selected topic and it is my hope that he will do more than justice to the theme of the day.

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 “Rest assured that after today’s discussions, we the attendees will have another opportunity to “learn, unlearn and relearn” It will surely improve our enlightenment and refocus our fiscal policy proposals while addressing the concerns of stakeholders according to the age long  mantra that a ‘well taxed nation is a better developed nation’.

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“Finally, my sincere appreciation goes to all those that contributed in various ways to the success of this Tax Week”, she concluded.

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True to its bidding, Chief Agbo in his paper held the audience spell bound as he marshalled out his points beautifully.

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According to Agbo, “Tax reforms have been implemented in Nigeria quite often as a strategy for improving revenue collection. Unexpectedly, Nigeria’s economy has remained in a state of distress for insufficiency of revenue.

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He maintained, “The study investigates the extent to which tax reforms have boosted revenue generation in Nigeria, using   historical research design and with particular attention to Enugu State.

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“It observes that, though Nigeria’s fiscal revenue has shown a declining trend over the past decade, tax reforms in Nigeria have had positive and   significant effect on revenue generation. It recommends that governments at all  levels in Nigeria should be resilient in implementing their strategic tax  reforms.

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“It was observed that even though Nigeria’s fiscal revenue has shown a declining trend over the past decade, tax reforms in Nigeria have generally had positive and significant effect on revenue generation.

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Agbo urged the Governments at both levels to be resilient in implementing strategic reforms.

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“The tax policy implementation by states and local governments at any point in time should be in conformity with that of the federal government.

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“The governments should strive to   obtain   optimal   loyalty and commitment from the staff of their revenue  services.

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“They should deploy technology creatively   for automating   tax management and operational processes.

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“There should be a seamless codification of all IGR sources in a law or set of laws   in each state through the Consolidated Revenue Code.

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“The IRS of each state should be granted full administrative and financial autonomy.

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“The governments should borrow a leaf from  the revenue reforms  carried out previously by Nigeria’s peer SSA countries while finding a tax reform pattern  that is suitable to their peculiar circumstances.

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“Recent steps being taken to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of tax administration at both federal and state levels, especially through the education of taxpayers on the importance of tax compliance, needs to be sustained”, he said.

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One striking issue observed by this reporter  at the event was that various speakers agreed that tax is not an extortion as erroneously held by members of the public but a civil responsibility.

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The high point of the event was the presentation of souvenir to Chief Onyeagwa and Dr Agbo.

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Both Chief Onyeagwa and Dr Agbo are not ‘strangers’ to awards.

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In recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession and humanity, Chief Onyeagwa had among others, received several awards. He has been honoured with Merit Awards of the ICAN Eastern District, ICAN Owerri & District Society, and ICAN  Enugu & District Society.

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Chief Agbo is a life member of International Society for Development & Sustainability and a fellow of professional bodies including Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, etc.

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In line with the programme,  November 16, 17 were set-aside for Radio Call programmes in Coal City Fm 92.9 Radio Nigeria, Enugu where members of the public had the opportunity of interacting with the leadership of the Association.

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On Saturday, November 18, there was Road Walk, starting from Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to Micheal Okpara Square, Enugu.

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Members of the Association came out in large number to participate in the road walk with joy.

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Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of CITN, Enugu and District Society, Chief Dr Nkemdilim Virginia Udeh, FCTI, said the exercise was to keep members of the Association strong and healthy, adding that they would continue to uphold the integrity and service with a view to attaining the dreams of their founding fathers in activating a tax-driven economy.

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She also said that ‘Town Hall Meeting’ would be held at major markets in Enugu urban, commending all participants, friends and leaders of the Association for making this year’s ‘Tax Week’ event a huge success.