The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Mr. Yomi Ogunnusi, has accused the Federal Government of shielding tax evaders across the country.
Ogunnusi, who represents Ifako/Ijaye at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, told our correspondent during an interview on Monday that the Federal Government had failed to investigate and prosecute oil companies and banks for tax evasion.
He said, “You can see what Lagos State has done by hiring consultants to collect taxes. It is a professional way of doing things. The Federal Government cannot do it effectively because they are protecting individuals. Most of the bank Managing Directors and private jet owners are associates of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Ogunnusi said that in light of the drop in oil prices, the Federal Government would need to come up with an effective taxation system like that of Lagos State which generates over N20bn a month internally.
He, therefore, suggested that the Federal Government could hire a private consultant which would be responsible for the collection of taxes.
He said, “Improving the Internally Generated Revenue involves a pragmatic and professional approach. We are still investigating many big banks for tax evasion. Tax evasion is common with banks, oil companies and private jet owners.”
Ogunnusi said the oil benchmark should be put at $74 per barrel for the 2015 budget.
While commenting on the Thursday fracas at the House, Ogunnusi, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, said Nigerians were beginning to see Jonathan as “being too desperate to win the 2015 election.” The PUNCH.
Ogunnusi, who represents Ifako/Ijaye at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, told our correspondent during an interview on Monday that the Federal Government had failed to investigate and prosecute oil companies and banks for tax evasion.
He said, “You can see what Lagos State has done by hiring consultants to collect taxes. It is a professional way of doing things. The Federal Government cannot do it effectively because they are protecting individuals. Most of the bank Managing Directors and private jet owners are associates of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Ogunnusi said that in light of the drop in oil prices, the Federal Government would need to come up with an effective taxation system like that of Lagos State which generates over N20bn a month internally.
He, therefore, suggested that the Federal Government could hire a private consultant which would be responsible for the collection of taxes.
He said, “Improving the Internally Generated Revenue involves a pragmatic and professional approach. We are still investigating many big banks for tax evasion. Tax evasion is common with banks, oil companies and private jet owners.”
Ogunnusi said the oil benchmark should be put at $74 per barrel for the 2015 budget.
While commenting on the Thursday fracas at the House, Ogunnusi, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, said Nigerians were beginning to see Jonathan as “being too desperate to win the 2015 election.” The PUNCH.
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