The Federal Government has disclosed its plans to recruit
7,500 graduates as Community Tax Laision Officers across the country.
Government explained that the recruits will raise tax
awareness among Nigerians and consequently increase the number of tax payers.
Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun alongside the
Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Babatunde Fowler made this
known during a press conference in Abuja.
According to Adeosun, through this initiative, the
government expect to increase the number of taxpayers by 35 percent from 14
million to about 17 million in two years.
She said, “We will be recruiting them through N-Power and
they can apply through the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance or
through the N-Power website.
“It’s a two-year fixed contract and they will be deployed to
states, attached to state Internal Revenue Service or FIRS.
“Their job is to improve the level of education on the
Nigeria’s tax system.
“Our tax system is progressive, meaning those who earn less
should pay less and those who earn more should pay more.
“A lot of people don’t know that. So it’s a chance to get
people on ground to answer all these pertinent questions.”
The Minister disclosed that graduates of accounting,
economics, mathematics and other relevant courses would be given priority.
Adeosun also urged intelligent graduates interested in
building a career in tax administration to apply as the government planned to
sponsor the recruits to become tax professionals.
“This exercise is extremely important for the fiscal
sustainability of states because as you know, most of the revenue for states
apart from FAAC is supposed to come from tax.
“So if we improved the number of taxpayers, we will be improving
the fiscal health of our state governments as well as the Federal Government.
“It’s an important initiative for the nation as we undertake
reforms to reduce our over-dependence on oil.
“We have to make sure that everyone who is economically
active pays tax, no matter how little, they have to contribute to the pool,”
she said.
By Seun Opejobi
