In a bid to widen Nigeria’s tax net and curb evasion, the Federal Government has inaugurated a 50-member Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) to ensure swift resolution of tax disputes and boost national revenue.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who led the inauguration yesterday in Abuja, emphasized the importance of the Tribunal in fostering transparency and fairness in tax administration.
“The TAT plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and efficient resolution of tax disputes, which helps attract investment and create a business-friendly environment,” Edun stated. He stressed the need to curb tax evasion to maintain public trust and support national development, highlighting that while tax avoidance is legal, evasion must be prevented.
The Tribunal, empowered under the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Establishment Act 2007, will operate across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with additional offices in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The inauguration comes as the National Assembly prepares for public hearings on tax reform bills, which have passed second readings in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Lawmakers have pledged to pass the bills for presidential assent by month’s end.
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, outlined the Tribunal’s objectives, including minimizing tax evasion, ensuring fairness, and reducing delays in tax dispute adjudication. She urged the newly appointed commissioners to uphold integrity and adhere strictly to constitutional guidelines.
Coordinating Secretary of the TAT, Anita Erinne, expressed gratitude to the ministers for their support and called on taxpayers to leverage the Tribunal for prompt dispute resolution.
Speaking on behalf of the commissioners, Aderibigbe Adedeji (SAN) assured that the Tribunal would fulfill its constitutional mandate and contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s tax system.
This move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Edun highlighted positive economic trends, including stabilizing inflation, declining food prices, and increased oil production, as evidence of the government’s progress.
The 50 appointed commissioners, drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, will play a pivotal role in promoting transparency and fairness within Nigeria’s tax system.
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