Paying Tax Necessary For Growth, National Development – FIRS Boss

By; IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna

Executive Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Zacch Adedeji has said that growth, development and progress could only be achieved if citizens endeavour to uphold the obligation of paying tax voluntarily and regularly.

He underscored the imperative of tax payers to always comply with extant laws and regulations guiding tax administration, execution and processes.

Adedeji in a statement, described taxation as foundation of growth which must be taken seriously by any nation with the interest of providing basic necessities for citizens to have smooth, ideal and comfortable life, needed to maintaining an optimum and productive population.

The head of the nation’s tax authority, while seeking the collaboration of the media in educating and enlightening citizens on their civic duty, stressed the role of members of the Fourth Estate in promoting the culture of voluntary compliance and simplifying rigorous tax laws for the benefit of tax payers.

He described journalists as the bridge between government and people who rely on media to make informed decisions as they relate to national issues affecting the lives of citizens.

Taxes, he contended made it possible for hospitals, schools, road infrastructure to function for the benefit of the masses.

He decried the attitude of some tax payers who displayed the act of evasiveness, integrity deficit and crass untrustworthiness in the face of carrying out their civic obligation to their nation.