Don faults govt’s tax regime

A Professor of Constitutional Law and Legislative Studies, Ali Ahmad, has criticised the nation’s existing tax regime, which he said promotes mistrust and undermines democratic essence.

The Speaker of the Kwara State Eighth Assembly, in his keynote address on Wednesday at a strategic media seminar jointly organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sobi FM, Ilorin, Kwara State, and the Nigerian Media Parliament (NMP), also charged the media to bridge the gap between the government’s tax administration and the citizenry.

Speaking on the theme, The Role of Media in Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Tax Reformation Legislation, Ahmad said Nigeria is presently at a taxation crossroads.

He described taxation as the backbone of any nation’s development, saying, “It is the lifeblood that finances public infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and countless other aspects of governance. Yet, taxation often encounters resistance, misconceptions by the people, and mismanagement by the government, leading to erosion of public trust.

“This is where the media comes in, as both a watchdog and a bridge between lawmakers and the public.”

According to the don, the citizenry can only be eager to pay taxes if they are included in its administration and policies.

Consequently, he suggested consistent public hearings by legislators before passing any bill under discussion to gather contributions and inputs from the citizenry, noting that Section 72 of South African law assures this.

He admitted that the media may not always be prominent in lawmaking situations depending on the dictates of interest. “Where there is an intersection of interest between government and the governed, less attention may be required than where there is a divergence of interest.

“In almost all cases, however, taxation legislation is one area where government and citizens naturally disagree. The government wants more money, while citizens decry parting with more of their funds. This is where media practitioners should perform their most important role,” urging the media to parley with the populace rather than the government.

“The media is under obligation to hold the government accountable for the management of existing tax revenues. The government has inundated taxpayers with figures alluding to the fact that its income consistently exceeds budgetary projections, yet taxpayers complain about the lack of evidence of efficiently utilising tax proceeds for the benefit of the people.

“Transparency and accountability are not mere buzzwords; they are the bedrock of sustainable governance. A transparent tax system ensures that citizens understand how taxes are collected, managed, and utilised. Accountability guarantees that public officials, institutions, and agencies are held responsible for their actions or inactions in tax administration.

“When these principles are lacking, the consequences are dire: public distrust, tax evasion, corruption, and a weakened social contract. Therefore, tax reformation legislation must not only address the technical and legal frameworks of taxation but must also ensure that these reforms are effectively communicated to and accepted by the populace.

“The media is often referred to as the fourth estate of the realm, and rightly so. In the context of tax reform legislation, the key roles of the media are evident in the following areas: public education, advocacy, and agenda-setting to shape public perception, bridge-building between government and citizens, and promoting accountability.

“The media has a duty to educate the public about the importance of tax reforms, explaining complex legislative changes in simple terms. By demystifying tax laws and policies, the media empowers citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities,” he stated.

He suggested that through investigative journalism, editorials, and public debates, the media can highlight inefficiencies, injustices, or corruption in tax administration.

“Public perception of taxation is often shaped by narratives in the media. Positive, factual, and balanced reporting can foster trust in the system, while sensational or biased reporting can undermine confidence.

“By setting the agenda, it compels policymakers to prioritise transparency and fairness in tax legislation. Media platforms provide an avenue for dialogue, enabling citizens to voice their concerns while also giving policymakers the opportunity to explain their decisions. This fosters a participatory approach to governance,” he noted.

He urged the media to scrutinise the implementation of tax policies and hold government officials accountable for any malpractice.

However, he identified a lack of free access to vital information and financial temptations by policymakers and politicians as impediments that may confront media practitioners.

“To overcome these challenges, the country must enhance the independence of media houses. Media practitioners must also collaborate with civil society and the academic community,” he added.