The Special Adviser to Lagos State Government on Public Private Partnerships, Mrs. Bukola Odoe, stated this at the 2024 Annual Workshop/Awards of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (CICAN), in Lagos.

Odoe, who was represented  by Consultant and Financial Analyst, Lagos State Office of Public Private Partnerships, Mr. Adefisoye Adekunle, while addressing the ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed  tax bill in the National Assembly, called for a  balanced  approach to tax collection.

Such approach, she added, must foster economic growth and development in a fair and equitable way.

Besides boosting  revenue generation, she also believed  enhancing tax collection processes would  go a long way in contributing  to sustainable economic progress,and  supporting the realization of national economic targets.

“We need to focus and optimize our collection process, make it simpler, make it easier in such a way that people with a small Phone, Android,  can access their tax records and  pay without any stress,”she added.



She  expressed her support for a tax bill that streamlines and updates tax laws, adding that  the proposed integration of technology in tax administration, would simplify processes and enhance compliance.

In his welcome remarks, the National Chairman of CICAN, Mr. Charles Okonji, expressed concerns on the state of the nation’s private sector, and the need to bring to the fore,  factors hindering its growth.

He described the theme for this year’s event, “Manufacturing: $1 Trillion GDP target by 2030: Realities & Possibilities,” as in tune with the numerous hurdles faced by the industry.

“The ambitious target, however, also raises concerns, especially with the potential disruptions caused by the intermittent changes in government leadership in Nigeria. The lack of sustained policies, and strategies across different administrations could impede progress towards achieving such a significant economic milestone by 2030,” Okonji stated.

The CICAN Chairman also called for   stakeholder engagement and collaboration, particularly with CICAN, so as to drive meaningful change, within the sector.