The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Onitsha district has embarked on a Road Show in Onitsha to celebrate Forty years of Tax practice in Nigeria and also sensitize the public on the need to pay tax.
ABS correspondent Faith Onyemuche who monitored the activity reports that the exercise kicked off with a visit to the office of the Tax Controller, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) Onitsha, Mr. Daniel Daria.
The CITN, Onitsha district team was led by its chairman, Sir Kevin Obieri.
Receiving the team, the Tax Controller FIRS Onitsha, Mr. Daniel Daria appreciated them for the visit, pointing out that tax payment is the life wire on which every government depend on for the development of their state or country.
The CITN team thereafter visited the office of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, where they were received by the Director General, ONICCIMA, Mr. Stanley Anyadifu.
Addressing the team, the DG said people should not see tax payment as punishment but rather an avenue to contribute in the development of the society.
He stated that tax payment is a Civic responsibility hence people should comply, while commending CITN for the awareness exercise.
Speaking to ABS in an interview, the Chairman, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Onitsha District, Sir Kevin Obieri explained that tax is a compulsory levy government demands from the people pointing out that every adult, gainfully employed is eligible to pay tax.
Sir Kevin who is also the president of ONICCIMA stated that when people pay tax, they get involved in governance, question the use of their tax which in turn will enable the government sit up.
Also speaking the Vice Chairman ONICCIMA, Mr. Nick Mbagwu condemned the use of force on people to pay tax, adding that most people do not know the appropriate place to pay tax, hence the need for awareness.
The team also visited the Red Cross Motherless Babies Home, Onitsha with cash and food items.