Professor Saka Muhammed Olokooba of the Department of Business Law, University of ilorin has called on the federal government to impose a severe compulsory jail term in addition to monetary term to any tax evader in the country.
Speaking at the 249th inaugural lecture titled “Withhold Caesar’s Right And Then Cry Beloved Country “on Thursday at the University of ilorin main Auditorium declared that ” since tax evasion is the major clog to the workability of the Nigerian tax system, it is imperative for the Nigerian government at this critical period to aggressively address the issue of tax criminality with the same vigor the government fought against the issue of non- performing bad debt in the financial sector in 2011″.
The Professor of Business law stresses further by saying ” therefore, considering all the unquantifiable benefits of prompt tax payment in any economy as well as likely adverse effects of non-payment, it is our humble submission that, to save this beloved country from crying, tax evasion should attract more severe punishment “
Professor Olokooba suggested to the federal government that an amendment should be made immediately to section 48(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment Act) 2007 with regards to power of compoundment by tax officers which permits the service “to compound any offense” under the Act by accepting a sum of money not exceeding the maximum fine specified for the offense instead of jail sentencing which is of paramount importance for effective tax system in Nigeria” adding that ammendments of this section should provide for both monetary and compulsory jail terms with a wiew to installing fears to the minds of tax evaders in the Nigeria.
Professor Olokooba said that for effective tax policy administration to be effective, tax authorities should collaborate with other government Agencies such as EFFC, ICPC, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with a view to reducing the incidence of tax criminality.
According to him, solid cooperation among these agencies as well as sharing of intelligence information gathered on tax evaders would make the tax policy administration more effective in Nigeria.
In addition, Professor Olokooba said that accurate data and information on the taxpayer would certainly expose under assessment of tax payable as well as other data related fraud in Nigeria adding that engagement of experienced and qualified personnel who are blessed with the skills and technical knowhow of taxation should be given priority while recruiting staff.
He emphasised that constant taxpayers education and enlightenment is necessary” as in the course of research that Nigerian government has, over the years paid and continued to pay little attention to taxpayers’ education and mobilisation. To check this , it is hereby recommended that taxpayer’s education as well as orientation in addition to constant public enlightenment be emphasised”
Professor Olokooba concluded that constant review of Nigerian tax law as well as creation of specialised Court is recommended as this will aid fast dispensation of tax offenses in the country.
