FG begins investigation into over 200 whistle-blowing tips on tax officials, taxpayers

FG begins investigation into over 200 whistle-blowing tips on tax officials, taxpayers

- Investigation into over 200 whistle-blowing tips on tax officials and taxpayers has begun

- The issues involve under declaration of taxes as well as demand by taxpayers and receipt of gratifications by tax officials

- The government is already mulling the idea to reform and improve existing processes and systems

The federal government has begun investigation into over 200 whistle-blowing tips on tax officials and taxpayers which involves under declaration of taxes as well as demand by taxpayers and receipt of gratifications by tax officials.

This was disclosed by the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, through a series of tweets on Saturday, January 29.

According to her, the Ministry of Finance has also commenced the process of sanitising the tax administration and revenue collection system of dishonest operatives.

FG begins investigation into over 200 whistle-blowing tips on tax officials, taxpayers
Mrs Adeosun also encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the whistle-blowing unit to expose anomalies in the tax system. Photo credit: State House

READ ALSO: Ikoyi Whistle-blower’s cash: Lawyers, different men fight for N850 million reward

Her words: “We have commenced the process of sanitising Nigeria's tax administration and revenue collection system. Already, the ministry of finance has requested and secured the suspension of two senior tax officials in Delta and Benue states based on verified tips from whistle-blowers.

“The ministry is currently analysing more than 200 whistle-blowing tips including recordings between tax officials and potential taxpayers in which various practices, designed to reduce tax payable, were outlined in detail.

“We have whistleblower reports of tax officers demanding bribes, promising to procure backdated tax clearance certificates, and offering to conspire to reduce taxes payable. All are being investigated and analysed, and we will take decisive action."

She also revealed that she has directed the reorganization of the ministry's whistle-blower unit to enable them fast-track the analysis of reports related to the federal government's revenue generating agencies.

“Encouraging our citizens to pay taxes is a matter of law but it is also a matter of trust. Those who work in our tax offices must therefore demonstrate the highest level of integrity,” she added.

The minister appealed to Nigerians not to fall for the temptation to procure tax certificates that are not consistent with their income, adding that those who have done so in the past should take advantage of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) amnesty to regularise their tax profile.

She thanked members of the public who have volunteered valuable information to the ministry's whistle-blower unit, adding that citizens should continue to take advantage of all the government's whistle-blowing platforms.

READ ALSO: Ikoyi N13 billion: Federal government laments emergence of more whistle-blowers

Meanwhile, the whistle-blower who provided information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that helped with the recovery of $43m, N23.2m and £27,800 (N13bn) has reportedly received payment from the federal government.

The federal government in its new whistle-blower scheme had promised to pay 5% to anyone who provides information that will lead to the recovery of monies from crime proceeds.

Whistle blowing in Nigeria on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng

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