By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
The Commissioner, Kaduna State Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai has expressed dismay over the poor level of business registration in the state.
Fakai, who stated this on Wednesday when she played host to members of the Tax Justice Network (TJN), who were on a courtesy visit to discuss how to improve tax compliance in Kaduna State, noted that noncompliance to business registration poses a serious challenge to the ministry.
According to her, “We do registration of businesses, all businesses in the State are suppose to register with us but unfortunately just very few that come for registration”.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Business and Industrial Development Department (BID), Bayei Peter Naman, the Commissioner appealed to business owners in the state to register their businesses with the ministry.
“As long as you are doing business in Kaduna State, you must register with business premises registration, it is through there that the ministry generates funds for the government”.
Also, the Assistant Director, BID, Yakubu Ibrahim disclosed that citizens of the State don’t pay tax voluntarily, saying that tax payment is key to every development.
Earlier in his remarks, Coordinator of TJN, Mr Simeon Olatunde, harped on the need for the network to collaborate with Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) involved in revenue generation to improve tax compliance in Kaduna State.
He explained that the aim of the network was to facilitate the development of effective legal and policy regime that promote fair, progressive and transparent tax system and administration in Kaduna State.
Olatunde also explained that partnership was necessary as it would enhance tax education and enlightenment that will improve people’s understanding of various tax policies.
“Our vision is to have a human society with a fair, progressive and transparent tax system as the basis for promoting sustainable development, eradicating poverty and creating equity for State residents”.
“The Network advocate for equity and and inclusive prosperity in Nigeria to foster socio-economic justice through an equitable and fair tax system”.
“TJN is also advocating for pro-poor tax policies and strengthening of tax system to promote domestic resources mobilization and drive reform to institutionalize transparency and accountability in the public finance management system”.
