Kogiflame
The Director-General of Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum “SMEF, Prince Dan. Olaitan Dada has said the organization will join the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to stop illegal revenue collection and road blocks in Nigeria which he said it is a high-priority tax reform efforts currently underway in the country.
In a press briefing after the meeting of its stakeholders in Lokoja, Prince Dan noted that the firm, Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum “SMEF is actively working hard to stop the incessant menace of illegal revenue collection, harassment, double taxations and road blocks across the 36 States of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory.
”Taxation stimulates economic activities and growth, but the modality for its collection must not be exploitative, shrouded in secrecy and felonious act of extorting money”.
He acknowledged that illegal levies and multiple taxes pose significant challenges to the economy of Nigeria, burdening citizens and businesses alike.
According to him, “The current national movement seeks to create a streamlined, transparent, and equitable tax system”,
Prince Dan further stressed that the problem with Illegal Collection and double Taxation involves an unauthorized individuals operating roadblocks to extort money from citizens and drivers, particularly on major transportation routes which creates an environment of harassment and unpredictability.
The SMEF Head of operations, Mr. George Dare Olonila opined that among the ultimate goal of initiating the FORUM of Sanity Multi-Efforts is to create a transparent, efficient, and equitable tax system where citizens understand that their taxes fund essential infrastructure and services of revenue collection is accurate, thereby restoring trust in government.
According to him, “The success of these measures will depend on the sustained commitment of all state government and the cooperation of citizens and businesses”,
”We shall ensure that all illegal revenue collection, road blocks, double taxations and other nuisances are stopped and we shall work with all Security agencies to enforce this directive rigorously”, he assured.
In his own contribution, the SMEF Computer/ICT Director, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulazeez Babatunde said tax matters among the ultimate goal is to create a transparent, efficient, and equitable tax system where citizens understand that their taxes fund essential infrastructure and services like road users, thereby restoring trust, according to him, ” We Will ensure that we champion the clampdown on Illegal Tax Collection in Nigeria”, he said.
In Nigeria roads, It has become an inherent problem, and it has become a norm. We will continue to fight hard to ensure that we eradicate the long time menace, Mrs Evelyn Ojo, the SMEF secretary said.
Prince Dan further noted that SMEF is fundamentally progressive, in line with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB)’s promises to streamline and Harmonize revenue system, we will make sure we arrest for investigation and prosecution, all cases of extortion in Nigeria roads.
Mr. Onward Amechi, a security expert, SMEF security adviser suggested the formulation of wearing uniform for all members of the SMEF throughout the Nation, for easy identification.
He therefore said the group should pay advocacy visit to all stakeholders, especially security agencies, stakeholders of road transport workers in Nigeria, ‘this would enable the organization to succeed in his determination to clampdown on Illegal extortion of taxes in Nigeria’.
He therefore warns that those behind the extortion, illegal revenue collection and road blocks should desist from it, saying it creates a severe and unacceptable risk of double and even multiple taxation.
The Motto and Slogan of SMEF is “Sanity Multi- Efforts – Sanity Must Be It” which is aimed to modernize and streamline Nigeria taxation system, and promote transparency.
Among the dignitaries present at the meeting are Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Good Governance, Hon. Ochesuru, Coordinator of concern, Mr. James Ajibade who is the SMEF Head of strategy and innovation.
