Following the official launch of the voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Federal Government has unveiled the weekly public enlightenment campaign to sensitize Nigerians to embrace voluntary declaration and prompt payment of taxes.
Henceforth, every Thursday is “Tax Thursday”, earmarked to sensitize citizens on the importance of tax and its role in the development of the country.
Unveiling the campaign in Abuja, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler, who led the road show said the campaign would be carried out all the 36 states of the federation to permeate the grassroot.
He said ‘Tax Thursday’ would be on for the next one year, to properly sensitize Nigerians on tax as a key avenue of revenue generation, noting that the campaign will lead to harness about 4 million additional tax payers into the tax net.
“The only way we can make Nigeria sweet is to start paying our taxes,” he said.
“We have come out with the VAIDs programme, which gives everybody the opportunity to come out and declare their income and pay their contributions to ensure that Nigeria becomes a better place for all”.
“I’m sure if we all contribute, Nigeria of our dreams will emerge. It will become a prosperous and conducive country to live in. Let’s join hands together to realize this dream by paying taxes,” he said.
Speaking at the occasion, the chairman, National Association of Nigerian Traders,(NANTS) FCT chapter, Prince Edozie Ugwu endorsed the campaign, stating that the move will increase more awareness on tax compliance.
Prince Ugwu pledged NANTS cooperation to then exercise adding that “We are ready to pay our taxes because without taxes, we cannot make the country work.”
Economic Confidential recalls that upon expiration of VAIDS, government would commence criminal prosecution of those who have evaded taxes and yet failed to take advantage of the scheme.
