The Federal Government has plans not only to widen the tax net but to prevent evasion, according to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun.
Yesterday, the minister inaugurated the 50-person Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT).
Its mandate is to resolve tax disputes and increase revenue for key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education.
The TAT will operate across the six geopolitical zones with different offices in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The inauguration of the new set of TAT commissioners came over six months after the July 2024 expiration of the tenure of the last set.
It was conducted in line with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Establishment Act 2007, and took place in Abuja.
Edun noted that 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.
He said: “Tax evasion must be curtailed to maintain trust in Nigeria’s tax system and support national development.
“Reducing tax evasion is essential for strengthening the tax system and funding national development.
“While tax avoidance is within the law, we must ensure that tax evasion is prevented.”
The inauguration is in anticipation of the passage of the tax reform bills by the National Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.
The bills have scaled second reading at both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
