The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has partnered with the Nigeria Revenue Service in Borno State to curb tax evasion and staff bullying by individuals and organisations in the state.
Addressing journalists shortly after a sensitisation meeting with staff members of the Revenue Service in Maiduguri on Thursday, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe states, Linus Gubbi, said the partnership was aimed at strengthening the agency to enable the smooth discharge of its responsibilities.
He said, “This partnership means a lot to us. It will enhance our job because, as a government agency, you cannot work alone; rather, you collaborate with other organisations that can provide intelligence and information.
“Since part of our enforcement mandate is to invite defaulting individuals and organisations who do not want to pay tax, when we get reports from them (NRS), we will investigate further and make the defaulters pay those taxes or make recoveries in respect of tax that is meant to go into the government’s coffers.”
Gubbi also noted that the sensitisation effort was part of the commission’s mandate to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in revenue generation.
“It is part of our mandate in the ICPC to enlighten the public on issues of corrupt practices, and that is why we are here today at the Nigeria Revenue Service, Borno office, to sensitise them on the need for transparency, accountability and integrity in revenue generation.
“We intend to sensitise them so that there will be improvement in the collection and management of revenue in Borno State. This is important because we know it is revenue that helps us to develop our country and build infrastructure,” he added.
The resident commissioner also stressed that the commission’s effort aligns with the tax reform plans of the Federal Government.
“This is part of the tax reform efforts because there are so many stakeholders involved in the generation and collection of tax in the country, and we know there are individuals who will want to cut corners. So, we are partnering together to ensure that things are done in the right way,” he stated.
On his part, the Tax Controller of the Nigeria Revenue Service in Maiduguri, Adamu Muhammad, commended the ICPC, describing the sensitisation as timely.
“The training is timely and very important. It is a wake-up call. However, we are all aware of the rules and regulations guiding revenue generation operations. Even at that, the visit has impacted my people and me because many relevant issues were highlighted, and I am sure all my staff members are happy with the visit,” Muhammad said.
He also noted that the commission had assured the organisation’s staff members of assistance whenever they faced issues relating to bullying during field operations for revenue collection.
“On staff bullying, we do not face it in all cases, but it happens occasionally. However, I am happy that the commissioner has responded to the issue and promised to be of help anytime we have such cases,” he noted.
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