Islam not against tax payment – Emir Sanusi


The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that Islam is not against the payment of tax, even as he urged Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful, to ensure prompt payment of their taxes.

Emir Sanusi II, who made the call when the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), chairman, Mr Tunde Fowler, paid him a courtesy call at his palace in Kano, yesterday, noted that without taxes, provision of amenities like schools, roads, hospitals would be difficult.

“I ask the people of Kano and every Nigerian to pay their taxes. The social services that government provides such as roads, hospitals, schools are made possible with revenues generated from taxes.
“There are a lot people who believe that taxes are not Islamic. That is not correct. During the time of Sayidina Umar (one of the caliphs of Prophet Mohammed), people paid taxes. So taxes are not new in Islam. People should pay their taxes. People should be patient and pay their taxes. A lot of social amenities we enjoy will not be possible if we do not pay taxes.’’
The Emir said that there was the need for the FIRS to address the problem multiple taxation in view of its negative effects on taxpayers in the country.

He also called on the service to embark on massive public enlightenment campaign on the importance of paying tax.

Earlier, the FIRS Chairman, Mr Fowler called on the Emir to use his good offices and sensitise his subjects on the need for them to pay tax.

Fowler told the Emir that he was at the palace to seek his blessings and good advice on the way forward.
He said: “With your encouragement and support, all tax payers will pay their tax.’’
Fowler, however, promised that the JTB meeting would deliberate on the expansion of tax base.
“From this year we will rely on non-oil tax revenue and when oil revenues come back, it will just be an icing on the cake,’’ he added.
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