From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), has convened a tax education and awareness workshop to address the high rate of tax non-compliance among stakeholders in the state.
The event, which drew business owners, professional bodies, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations, and individual taxpayers, was themed “Enhancing Tax Compliance Through Stakeholder Sensitization and Engagement.”
Speaking at the workshop, KWIRS Executive Chairman, Shade Omoniyi, emphasised the crucial role of taxation in driving economic growth and providing public services.
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“Taxation is the lifeblood of any economy. It is through the faithful payment of taxes that government can provide critical infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, and other essential public services,” she stated.
Omoniyi highlighted the challenges of tax compliance and called for deliberate strategies and collaboration among stakeholders.
“This workshop is designed to address pressing issues around tax compliance and offer practical insights. The journey toward enhanced tax compliance is a collective one, and we are committed to creating an enabling environment where taxpayers feel supported and valued,” she added.
She urged individuals and businesses to file tax returns within the legally allowable timeframe, declare all sources of income for proper assessment, and ensure timely payment of taxes.
“Let us embrace the culture of voluntary compliance, engage in constructive dialogue to address challenges, and utilize the resources provided by the Service. Together, we can build a future where tax compliance is not just a legal obligation but a shared responsibility for the greater good of our society,” she said.
The workshop addressed topics such as the Harmonized Bill and Taxes Collectible by the Service, Implications of Non-Compliance, Filing Annual Returns, Payment Options, and the Withholding Tax Regulation 2024. It also introduced the New Tax Reforms Bill in Nigeria.
In his presentation on the implications of non-compliance, KWIRS Head of Corporate Planning, Muhammed Audu, warned tax defaulters against evasion.
“There is no hiding place for tax defaulters in Kwara. We have your records and can request your bank statements if necessary. Non-compliance puts pressure on government resources, increases debt, and leads to revenue loss. We urge you to voluntarily comply to avoid penalties,” he said.
Audu assured stakeholders of KWIRS’ commitment to dialogue and fairness, adding that the Service prefers voluntary compliance over punitive measures. “We do not want to be tyrannical, which is why this dialogue is necessary. Compliance is still low in Kwara State, and we aim to address that through engagement and education,” he concluded.
The workshop marks a return of KWIRS’ interactive initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps and align stakeholders with new tax reforms in Nigeria.
