Prime Initiative, a non-governmental organization working on tax and revenue mobilisation and transparency in Jigawa state, has called for more political will for an effective and efficient tax system in the state.
This was contained in a communique issued after a dialogue between Jigawa state stakeholders on tax and revenue payers and collectors. The statement was made available to Online Tribune in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state.
According to the communique, ideas and recommendations were put together after a series of dialogues on tax compliance, revenue mobilization, and civil society organizations’ town hall meetings on an effective and efficient tax system in the state.
In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the communique added that the Prime Initiative designed recommendations for a sustainable and equitable revenue mobilization system in Jigawa state.
According to the communique, the recommendations were developed after a series of dialogues on tax compliance, revenue mobilization, and civil society organizations’ town hall meetings on an effective and efficient tax system in the state.
The communique stressed the need for political will to enhance tax compliance, transparent assessment, collection, and utilization processes, as well as the recruitment of staff and training for modern technology skills on revenue assessment and collection.
It maintained that “for better revenue generation and mobilization in the state, there is a need for more stakeholders’ engagement through collaborative efforts between state actors, taxpayers, and market associations.”
Other recommendations include taxpayers’ education campaigns by providing clear information about tax laws, responsibilities, and benefits and establishing an internal audit unit within the tax administration.
The communique was also committed to a transparent, fair, and efficient tax system. It then urged the government, legislators, and relevant authorities to consider the recommendations for a more sustainable and equitable revenue mobilization system.