Chief Blakey Ijezie urges overhaul of tax system for transparency, accountability 

In a stirring address at the 4th Edition of the Blakey’s National Tax Conference held at Pholax Hotel and Suites in Anthony Village, Lagos, Chief Blakey Ijezie, a distinguished Chartered Accountant, delivered a powerful message advocating for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s tax system. With the theme “The Game Is About to Change,” Chief Ijezie sounded the clarion call for increased transparency and accountability in the management of tax revenues.

 

Highlighting the current disparity between tax revenue and GDP, Chief Ijezie emphasized the urgent need for action, citing the prolonged silence of the Taiwo Oyedele Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms as cause for concern. He outlined four cardinal goals aimed at rebuilding the institutional frameworks of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), fostering collaboration with stakeholders, prioritizing customer-centric approaches, and embracing data-centric strategies for efficient revenue generation.

 

Drawing attention to the misuse of taxpayers’ money, particularly in extravagant spending on N160 million SUVs for government officials, Chief Ijezie condemned such actions as a betrayal of public trust, leading to increased poverty among taxpayers. He called for transparency in government dealings, urging a halt to further action on projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road until fundamental questions are answered and cost issues addressed to prevent defrauding Nigerians through dubious contracts.

 

Quoting Dr. Agu Onwuzuruoha, an Administrator of the Ite-Ozubulu Intellectuals Forum, Chief Ijezie stressed the importance of dissenting voices and the necessity for transparent and competitive bidding processes in contract awards. He underscored the importance of taxpayer empowerment and obligations, urging taxpayers to demand accountability from the government while fulfilling their obligations diligently.

 

In a poignant conclusion, Chief Ijezie called on President Bola Tinubu to embrace change and prioritize Nigeria’s best interests. He emphasized the need for altering behaviors and approaches to achieve different results, urging President Tinubu to change the game for a brighter future for Nigeria.

 

The 4th Edition of the Blakey’s National Tax Conference served as a platform for robust discussions and actions toward a more transparent and accountable tax regime in Nigeria, with Chief Blakey Ijezie leading the charge for meaningful reforms.