The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to widen its tax net to capture more high-income earners and relieve the burden on poor Nigerians.
The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Peter Aniekwe (LP-Anambra) and five other lawmakers at plenary on Thursday.
The house also suggested strengthening enforcement of existing tax laws, plugging leakages in the system and exploring measures to increase export of cash crops and agricultural products.
Moving the motion, Mr Aniekwe said the current economic situation of the country, characterised by unemployment, rising inflation, and the increasing cost of living, had led to widespread hardship.
He said that 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.
According to the lawmaker, many of the low-income earners are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and education.
Mr Aniekwe said that the government’s primary responsibility is to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the masses and urged it to ensure only policies that promote economic development, social welfare, and prosperity for all citizens.
“Concerned that 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.
“Mindful that 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.
“Alternative measures that can be taken to increase government revenue without overburdening the masses, such as expanding the tax base, improving tax administration, reducing government waste, and curbing corruption,” he said.
Speaker of the house, Tajudeen Abbas asked the Committees on Finance and FIRS to within three weeks conduct a review of existing tax laws and policies to streamline tax collection processes.
The speaker mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to oversee the manifestation of the resolutions.
(NAN)
