Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, has underscored the importance of strengthening tax administration through improved public engagement, institutional accountability, and professional support for businesses, noting that effective taxation remains critical to economic growth and governance.
Barr. Ossai made the remarks at the South East Zonal Sensitization Programme organized by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in collaboration with the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS).
Addressing tax administrators and stakeholders at the event, the Deputy Governor acknowledged the historical resistance to taxation in developing economies, tracing it to colonial-era policies that were perceived as punitive and triggered widespread opposition.
“Taxation in developing economies has always been opposed and met with resentment. The approach adopted during colonization made it feel punitive and led to riots and controversies,” he said.
He, however, commended current tax authorities for making deliberate efforts to educate citizens and build trust, stressing that recent tax laws and exemptions have helped ease tensions, particularly for low-income earners.
According to Ossai, citizen participation in tax processes enhances accountability in governance. He emphasized the need for public office holders to create an enabling environment that supports business growth and income generation.
“If the majority of our people cannot be taxed due to low income, then we are losing revenue. We must provide the environment for businesses to thrive and for people to grow from low to high income levels,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor also called for continuous training and stricter supervision of revenue officers, warning that poor conduct by frontline personnel could undermine public confidence in the tax system.
“There must be conscious efforts to sanitize the system. Officers who interact daily with taxpayers must act professionally, while the leadership of revenue services must ensure effective supervision,” he added.
Highlighting the role of professional bodies, Ossai urged the CITN to consider establishing pro bono advisory services to assist businesses, particularly those vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous tax consultants.
He further stressed the importance of public awareness about institutional safeguards, including the Tax Tribunal, which he described as an independent body capable of objectively resolving disputes between taxpayers and revenue authorities.
“In encouraging people to pay taxes, it is equally important to inform them that they have a place for redress if they feel shortchanged. People must know that there are structures that protect their rights,” he said.
Ossai also recommended that tax authorities explore flexible provisions within existing laws to accommodate honest taxpayers who may lack the resources to hire professionals for bookkeeping.
While acknowledging the complexities associated with tax administration, the Deputy Governor encouraged practitioners to remain committed to their mandate, describing their role as vital to national development.
“I acknowledge that your job is difficult, but I encourage you to keep at it,” he concluded.
