The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to stop imposing multiple taxes, levies, and charges on Nigerians due to the present economic burden.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved during last Thursday’s plenary session by Rep. Peter Aniekwe, representing the Anambra East/Anambra West Federal Constituency, and co-sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, along with four others.
Presenting the motion, the lead sponsor emphasized the current economic situation in the country, defined by rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, which has led to widespread hardship for the masses.
“The imposition of multiple taxes, levies, and charges at various levels of government only serves to exacerbate the financial strain on citizens, particularly those in low-income brackets, many of whom are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and education.
“The introduction of additional and sometimes unnecessary taxes, including consumption taxes, service taxes, and levies on essential goods and services, places an undue burden on the masses, further widening the inequality gap.
“While taxation is necessary for government revenue, a balance must be struck between revenue generation and the economic well-being of citizens, particularly at a time when many families and businesses are still recovering from the economic impact of global and local challenges.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the masses, ensuring policies that promote economic development, social welfare, and prosperity for all citizens.”
The House adopted the motion and called on the federal government to explore alternative revenue generation strategies, such as widening the tax net to capture more high-income earners, strengthening enforcement of existing tax laws, plugging leakages in the system, and exploring measures to increase the export of cash crops and agricultural produce.
It mandated the committees on Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to conduct a thorough review of existing tax laws and policies within three weeks, aiming to streamline tax collection processes, eliminate redundant or overlapping taxes that contribute to the financial burden on citizens, and identify areas of double taxation at all levels to provide relief to citizens without jeopardizing government revenue targets.
