CITN Urges States to Boost IGR through Property Tax

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has called upon governors in Nigeria to increase their internally generated revenue (IGR) by focusing on property tax as a significant revenue stream.

The institute’s president, Samuel Agbeluyi, emphasized the importance of adopting a more civilized and efficient approach to tax collection.

Speaking ahead of the CITN 26th Tax Conference scheduled for May 13-17 in Abuja, Agbeluyi noted that many states are not taking full advantage of revenue sources such as property tax, which could be substantial enough to cover monthly salary expenditures in some states.

He stressed the need for state revenue boards to be autonomous and well-equipped to effectively boost their revenue through property tax.

Agbeluyi highlighted the importance of treating taxpayers with respect and dignity, cautioning against coercive and violent methods of tax collection, particularly at the local government level.

He emphasized that such practices not only harm taxpayers but also hinder broader development goals.

The CITN president also criticized the practice of burdening lower-income individuals disproportionately and called for a more coordinated approach to tax policies across different levels of government.

He commended the efforts of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms in streamlining taxes and sanitizing the tax space.

The upcoming conference will focus on critical issues such as tariff regulations, economic growth strategies, and the impact of taxation on the manufacturing sector.

The discussions are expected to contribute to fostering a more sustainable and beneficial tax culture in Nigeria.

Agbeluyi encouraged state and local government officials to discourage unauthorized tax collection practices and focus on respecting taxpayers’ rights, emphasizing the importance of a customer-focused approach to revenue generation.

He also called for partnerships with wealthy individuals to enhance revenue collection without pushing people into poverty and advocated for empowering State Inland Revenue Services with autonomy for more efficient tax collection.