Buhari Pledges to Tackle Illegal Tax Deductions

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said the federal government would look into the issue of illegal tax collections with a view to encouraging more private sector businesses to thrive in the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the president made the promise while receiving the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers Association of Nigeria (AUFCDN), led by its president, Alhaji Ali Tahir.

He said Buhari disclosed that his administration had genuine intentions to eliminate illegal taxes in the country even though the “old habits die hard.”

According to the statement, the president was responding to a request by the association on the need for the federal government to halt unhealthy practice of illegal tax collections. Adesina quoted the president as saying, ‘‘I am appalled to learn that these illegal tax collections still persist. Bad habits are not easily dropped.

“But let me assure you that relevant security agencies will be reminded of their duties in preventing these bad practices and safeguarding people like you who go about their legitimate businesses.

“I will take up all your appeals and complaints in due course and together with State Governments, we will attend to your proposals.”

He also said the president described the association as very important and strategic to the nation’s economy, quoting him as saying, “the merchandise and products you trade in are basic to any economy. The real wealth of this country lies in agriculture and livestock rearing.”

According to the statement, the president pledged that his administration would continue to do its best to assist the sector, noting that some of the more advanced countries such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark built economies primarily from agriculture and livestock trade.