Mr. President, the persistent challenges of illegal revenue collection, extortions, double taxation, and numerous road blocks across Nigeria’s highways are crippling economic growth, discouraging investments, and eroding trust in government institutions. To address these issues, SMEF urges your administration to urgently support the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) in tackling these menaces._
Key Recommendations:
1. Strengthen JRB’s Capacity: Empower JRB with necessary resources and authority to effectively coordinate and enforce revenue collection, investigation, and prosecution of offenders.
2. Harmonize Tax Policies: Streamline tax laws and regulations across states to eliminate double taxation and reduce opportunities for extortion._
3. Remove Illicit Road Blocks: Identify and dismantle unauthorized checkpoints, ensuring legitimate security agencies are properly trained and accountable.
4. Digitalize Revenue Collection: Promote cashless transactions and digital platforms for revenue collection to minimize human interaction and reduce corruption.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate citizens on tax obligations, revenue usage, and consequences of tax evasion.
6. Whistleblower Protection: Establish a robust whistleblower protection program to encourage reporting of revenue irregularities.
7. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Foster cooperation between JRB, EFCC, and other agencies to combat revenue-related crimes.
Expected Outcomes:
_ _Improved ease of doing business._
– _Increased revenue for government._
– _Enhanced investor confidence._
– _Reduced cost of living._
_SMEF, committed to promoting good governance and economic development, pledges to support JRB and your administration in implementing these reforms. We will mobilize our network to raise awareness, facilitate dialogue, and advocate for policy changes that benefit Nigeria._
_We believe that with your leadership, Mr. President, these challenges can be overcome, and Nigeria can unlock its true economic potential. We urge your prompt action to support JRB and bring relief to citizens and businesses.
Signed
Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, President, Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum (SMEF)_
