Senate calls for digitization of process as FIRS gets N168.8bn budget approval

For efficacy and transparency, the Senate has called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to digitize tax administration process.

This followed approval of a total sum of N168.8 billion as 2020 budget for the government revenue collector by the Senate.

The approval came following the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Finance.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC – Lagos West) while giving a summary of the 2020 budget for the FIRS said N1.56 trillion was projected for Oil revenue and N4.502 trillion from Non-Oil revenue.

He continued: “N180.086 billion projected for 4 per cent cost of Collection; N11.279 billion as projected two per cent Cost of Collection ceded to the Nigeria Customs Service; N168.80 Net projected 4 per cent Cost of Collection available rose FIRS to be appropriated by NASS; and Value Added Tax (VAT) at 7.5 percent.

The Senate, while adopting the recommendations of the Committee’s report, called for the digitization of all processes in the administration of tax in FIRS, so as to bring the Service up-to-speed with rapidly increasing online economic activities.

The upper chamber also approved a one-off special purpose intervention fund to the tune of N100 billion to assist the FIRS complete its head office within 12 months; six (6) Training Schools; 30 Prototype Tax Operations Office; Purpose-built facilities for efficient taxation of Upstream Petroleum Industry and ICT Infrastructure to identify and track digital transactions.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Wednesday also confirmed the appointment of Dr. Tella Adeniran Rahmon representing Osun State as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

Also confirmed was the appointment of Engr. Usman Mahmud Hassan as Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The confirmation of both nominees followed the consideration of the reports of the Senate Committees on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and National Planning and Economic Affairs.

The Committees are chaired by Senators Kabiru Gaya (APC – Kano South); and Olubunmi Adetumbi (APC – Ekiti North).