TOWARDS EFFECTIVE TAX ADMINISTRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN PLATEAU STATE. COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS

By Nnabugwu Chizoba

The effort to combat unemployment and reduce poverty rate, in the face of accelerating economic downturn, is a daunting task. It requires the commitment and collaboration of economic actors and stakeholders, operating in an economic environment.

In Plateau State like other states of Nigeria, overcoming unemployment and poverty are no less a challenge. The same is also true about infrastructural development and addressing other challenges that require the attention of government. It is also a fact that unemployment and poverty are surmountable, just as it is public knowledge that the provision of basic amenities and development of infrastructure are doable projects.

What is needed on the part of government, to achieve the above, assuming there is the political will to swim through the sharks and wells that the ocean to achieve those noble objectives may harbour, is commitment. Commitment, in this context, will reflect in the following: level of integrity and financial discipline, degree of supervision, extent of monitoring, effectiveness of management and financial controls, adherence to financial regulations, and diligence in the administration of sanctions, where irregularity is established and proven.

The struggle to arrest the debilitating effect of rising unemployment and poverty, and curtailing the spate of undesirable events that trail them, cannot be completed without adequate revenue generation, even when government succeeds in doing the above.

Revenue generation is fundamental to project execution. it is also key, in meeting the numerous responsibilities of government at different levels. In the context of the new economic thrust, where entrepreneurship and MSMEs are the cardinal strategy for job creation, wealth generation and economic development, the private sector is not only of interest, in terms of leading in investment, business promotion and development, but essentially, for the revenue that government stands to generate from it.  

The above, even without further elaboration, but by relying on experience of the economy and natural course of events, have the capacity to create a scenario where the private sector pushes for a level playing field in order to operate more profitably, and assume the nascent role of leading the economy. In the same vein, it is common sense, to imagine that the government will in a bid to strategise, will put in place measures that will ensure not only increased revenue but also that such is consistent. Government revenue generation from the private sector occurs through taxation.

Considering the above setting, what readily comes to mind is the need for an enabling business environment, to ensure smooth working relationships between the public and private sector actors. Since, Public Private Dialogue is a critical tool for the promotion of enabling environment, and tax too is a strong component of enabling environment, it is not surprising that three major economic actors in the state considered it expedient to engage in a PPD to ensure effective tax administration.

The efforts of Plateau State Government, Jos North and South Local Government Councils, the business community and the good people of Plateau State, to tow this line is commended by . If sustained, and agreements reached, are genuinely implemented, the canker worms of unemployment and poverty, will be demystified. Similarly, other governance related issues will very soon begin to take better shape.

Other well-meaning citizens in the State must learn to tow this noble route. Seeking alternative ways and approaches to settle disputes and ensure improved performance and sustainable growth of the economy is an effort worthy of emulation.

Government at all levels, in the State, is enjoined through this medium, to open up all channels that make input and access to information by the private sector not only easy and encouraging, but also expedient, issue-based and focused driven. This is one sure way of dismantling the structures of bad governance and reducing the negative effects.

True to our self-imposed mandate,  is leading a new vision and direction with regard to the role of the private sector in Africa’s development. We remain, the trusted source of idea stimulation. From providing new and creative mental models to address the changes and challenges of economic development, to engaging thought-provoking leaders, institutions, groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds, we assure you, our esteemed reader; of our unflinching position to provide the steam that enriches economic discussions. Our profound understanding of change dynamics and the implications for development are tools that have given us the impetus to score economic activities. Through our reportage and in depth analysis, we offer ideas and tools that help the government and the governed to respond appropriately to the dynamics of economic development. We bridge the gap… we provide the missing link.

Below is the communique.

   COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER A PUBLIC PRIVATE DIALOGUE (PPD) ON TAX ADMINISTARTION SYSTEM IN PLATEAU STATE HELD AT CREST HOTEL, PLATEAU STATE ON THE 17TH DECEMBER, 2015


At the end of the Public Private Dialogue on tax administration system between the State, Jos North and Jos South LGC and Plateau state traders association, the following were resolved:
1.    There is need for clarity on which head of taxes and levies are to be paid to each tier of government.
2.    There is need to harmonize taxes, levies and fees collected by states and LGA’s to reduce incidences of unclear taxes and multiple taxation.
3.    There is need for the state and LGC to continue to sensitize the market traders on tax payment.
4.    Jos North and Jos South LGCs to come up with schedule of levies and rates payable by all businesses within the LGAs.
5.    Jos North and Jos South LGCs to commit a certain percentage of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the provision of services within the markets, motor parks and the LGA.
6.    The Plateau Traders Association to come up with a comprehensive list of all the associations under it with names and telephone numbers of their Chairmen, Secretaries and possibly other key members.
7.    There is need for continuous dialogue between state revenue MDAs, LGCs and all business associations in the state.

Recall that  having identified Private Sector exclusion in Policy making and governance, as one of the missing links or gaps, in Africa’s development efforts, equally promised to draw attention and galvanise support for what it considers as negligence and carelessness for what is evidently the power house of economic development.

The capacity of the Private Sector to provide jobs, generate wealth and more importantly build the loss confidence, morale and values of the African is definitely not in doubt. Your voice must be heard. 

Your views and opinions must count. Now is the time! Join the movement. Send in your articles.