By Victoria Effiong
Calabar, Nigeria – The Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Cross River State Chapter, recently organised a capacity-building training for selected state and non-state actors on fair taxation and service delivery in Cross River State.
The training, held under the ‘Sudden Opportunity Funds, Fair and Just Taxation Project,’ with support from Civil Society for Legislative Advocacy, CISLAC and facilitated by OXFAM aimed to change the perceptions of taxpayers on the importance of paying taxes and the role it plays in funding public goods and services.
According to William Itorok Esq., Chairman of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, CRS Chapter, “Taxes are the lifeblood of any government, enabling it to provide essential public goods and services.”
He emphasised that for taxation to be effective, it must be implemented using a two-prong approach, where citizens pay their taxes correctly and accurately, and the government makes taxes equitable and fair.
“For taxes to be effective and acceptable to citizens, it must adhere to the principles of fair and just taxation which are: progressivity neutrality, transparency, accountability, efficiency and value for taxpayers’ money,” Itorok added.
The training highlighted the importance of fair and just taxation, and the role of tax payers.
Mr Kingsley Eworo, a facilitator at the training, noted that “if you don’t train them, don’t blame them,” emphasising the need for accurate information on taxation to increase tax compliance and development.
Sir Leo Ekanem Esq., a participant at the training, rated the performance of the Cross River State Government, noting that while the state is not doing badly in accordance with best practices on taxation, there is still room for improvement.
He identified the local government as a major challenge, citing the need for proper regulation of tax collection and the abolition of arm-twisting and unconventional practices.
Glory Daniel, another participant, praised the initiative, citing the need for fair and just taxation to promote development and give citizens a voice in the affairs of the state. She noted that paying taxes gives citizens a voice in the affairs of the state.
The training ended with a call for accurate data to inform tax laws and policies, automation of tax collection to reduce human contact and revenue leakages, and the abolition of revenue agents or consultants.
Participants also recommended stopping the use of revenue points or collection contracts as settlement for political loyalists and ensuring that government gets its data right.
In a parting shot, Mr Effiom Duke, speaking on behalf of Green Concern for Development, the host of Tax Justice in CRS, congratulated participants on a successful learning experience and encouraged them to partner with the Tax Justice Platform to continue advocating for just and fair taxation.