Chairman of Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, Advocates Training Area Boys for Tax Collection Roles to Enhance Revenue Collection…..COUNTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chairman of the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, recently discussed ongoing efforts to streamline and reduce multiple taxes at the state and local government levels. In an interview with Channels TV, Oyedele emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders, including the “Area Boys,” to prevent potential crises resulting from the suspension of multiple taxes.

He suggested that training programs could be initiated for area boys, equipping them with the necessary skills for tax collection roles while providing them with salaries. Oyedele highlighted the potential benefits of this approach, such as minimizing disruptions to livelihoods and avoiding crises that may arise from abruptly halting various income streams.

“We’re also thinking about how to bring all stakeholders on board because, at the end of the day, if you stop the livelihood of anyone, whether they are earning it legitimately or not, you can create crises that would be difficult to manage. But once you bring everybody in, maybe we need to train those area boys and touts, give them uniforms, and then they’ll be the ones to ask you to show evidence on your phone, right? And then they get paid a decent salary,” Oyedele explained.

He further emphasized the importance of presenting a comprehensive strategy that aligns the interests of all stakeholders, including the government, to achieve a common goal of enhancing revenue collection and overall economic development.

Regarding updates on the recommendations submitted by the Tax Reform Committee, Oyedele acknowledged that fiscal policy matters may take time for full implementation. He highlighted the submission of over 20 recommendations in October, with progress made on about three of them so far. Oyedele identified the Emergency Economic Intervention Bill as a crucial instrument for implementing these recommendations, aiming to amend multiple laws and introduce changes to promote price stability, relieve impacted individuals and businesses, and address foreign exchange concerns.

“In fairness to the lawmakers, we haven’t presented the bills to them yet. And that was also because, once they had the budget for 2024, it became their priority. Now that that’s out of the way, we want to try and prioritize this and send the bill to them for them to pass it as a matter of urgency,” Oyedele added.