The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called for collaboration between NAGAFF and the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to sensitize maritime industry stakeholders on the need to pay their taxes.
Founder of NAGAFF; Dr Boniface Aniebonam said this yesterday when some senior staff of FIRS paid a courtesy visit to NAGAFF headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, the NAGAFF founder called for a joint committee between NAGAFF and the FIRS to device modalities of how to stop tax evaders, especially among freight forwarders.
"We just need to align forces together with FIRS to ensure that there will no longer be tax evasion among Nigerians. We all know that these taxes we pay are used by the government to provide the basic amenities and as a result, it is very important to the government”
We also plead with the government to provide a relief where people can voluntarily come and make their declarations. It’s about what the law says, not about making people obey, all we need is to sensitize the people on what the law says about not paying taxes", he advised.
Dr Aniebonam added that the problem with tax collection in Nigeria is about non-compliance to regulations.
"In some countries, not paying taxes is a serious offence. The problem we have in this country is non-compliance to regulations. The system is not working well so we need to start thinking of how to do things right. There is also need for partnership with FIRS to build integrity. Under-declaration by some importers are making the FIRS loose what they are supposed to get. Building integrity is very important more than 99% Nigerians do not pay their taxes", he added.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Controller of FIRS; Mrs. Akpumodaye Taiye said that the agency is collaborating with NAGAFF to ensure that freight forwarders do not evade tax.
She also said that the FIRS team came to sensitize the members of NAGAFF on what the government is offering in terms of the Voluntary Assets & Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS).
"We are here to collaborate with NAGAFF to ensure that the mandate of government which is ensuring that people do no evade tax is achieved. We came to sensitize NAGAFF members on their responsibility on tax payment and what the government is offering them in terms of voluntary declaration scheme”
“I am so impressed with today's meeting, the government has given tax payers up time March next year to come for the voluntary declaration and anybody that fails to declare from now till that time, will stand to be punished", she told her hosts.
She also disclosed that FIRS has opened an online platform where tax payments and collection of receipts can be done.
Also speaking at the event, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Increase Uche also acknowledged the importance of the FIRS.
"I am happy to interface with those made to carry with the critical task which is revenue collection for the government, because without money the government will not be able to carry out her responsibilities. We know the importance of tax that is why we interface with Customs that also collects revenue for the government"
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