Adams Oshiomhole, the senator for Edo North, has urged the federal government to ensure tax evaders go to jail to serve as a deterrent to others.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today ‘ on Wednesday, Oshiomhole argues that resistance to value-added tax (VAT) is unique to Nigeria, while assuring that the newly enacted tax laws aim to protect low-income earners.
Oshiomhole insisted that tax compliance should be strictly enforced.
“Taxes must be paid by those who are supposed to pay it and must be ruthlessly collected. It’s not a civil obligation. It’s a criminal thing if you breach the tax law, and it sends people to prison if they decline or doctor the tax books. That is what serious governments should do,” he added.
The former governor of Edo explained that the structure of the tax policy embodies the principles of a progressive government by placing a greater tax burden on high-income earners.
He emphasised that VAT primarily applies to luxury and non-essential items rather than basic goods.
Oshiomhole criticised Nigerians who oppose local VAT payments while willingly complying with similar taxes in other countries.
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“The facts on the ground show that President Tinubu’s tax policy is consistent with the values of a progressive government,” he said.
“This is a progressive tax policy that places a higher burden on those who earn more while offering tax exemptions to those who earn less.”
He stressed that misunderstanding of taxation fuels public opposition to VAT and other levies.
“It is only in Nigeria that people talk about the government using money or claim that the government earns money on its own,” he said.
“Governments do not earn money; citizens earn income, and the government taxes those earnings — whether individual or corporate. “The sum of these taxes determines the annual revenue of the state.”