Do away with tax injustice, corruption to benefit Nigerians – MOUAU Don tells govt

A call has gone out for the Nigerian tax system to be rid of corruption and injustice and for complete reforms to make it possible for the populace to get the benefits associated with taxation and not just the heat.

Speaking at the 62nd Inaugural Lecture of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, held at the Senator Anyim Pius Auditorium, the Lecturer, Prof John Uzoma Ihendinihu, who spoke on the topic, “Entropy of Injustice: A Derivative of Thermodynamics in Tax Administration”, highlighted the institutionalization of tax reforms as the major solution to tax injustice.

Prof. Ihendinihu outlined various dimensions of tax injustice and corruption to include: utilization of tax revenues for self-aggrandizement rather than public good, aggressive taxation, compelling low-income earners to pay taxes regardless of profit, while the wealthy evade their obligations, non-provision of essential public good, multiple taxation, bribery and corruption, which he said could led to erosion of public trust and tax evasion.

He warned that tax injustice widens the gap between rich and poor, triggers social unrest, and builds a legacy of distrust in government and unfair tax policy as he stressed that fair taxation and proper revenue management can reduce tax evasion, while urging institutional reforms, stronger anti-corruption measures, improved tax education, and consistent enforcement of laws.

The Professor of Accounting who commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent tax law enacted, which he said would enhance transparency in the tax system, and would address the previous harsh tax burden borne by ordinary Nigerians, warned that the Act will not succeed unless it is thoroughly implemented for the public good.

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The MOUAU 62nd Inaugural Lecturer who warned that failure by the government to do the needful could increase tax evasion by Nigerians, especially the self-employed persons, encouraged Nigerians to always pay their taxes to help the government provide services.

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In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, commended the inaugural lecturer for a job well done as he emphasized the need for transparency, stronger enforcement, further digital inroads to tax administration to prevent revenue leakages, stressing that a good tax system will benefit the government and the people.