Multiple taxation bane of telecom industry

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified multiple taxation as major obstacle militating against sustainable development of telecom industry in the country.

Adewolu Adeleke, the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management of the NCC, stated this at the Regional Stakeholders Workshop on Multiple Taxation and Regulations, on Wednesday in Kano.

The theme of the conference is: “Navigating the Landscape of Multiple Taxation and Regulations, Fostering Sustainable Growth through Collaboration”.

Represented by Efosa Idehen, Director Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement of the commission, Adeleke said multiple taxation and regulations were impacting on the growth of telecoms infrastructure on which all other infrastructure making up digital economy depended.

“This is not referring to legitimate taxes imposed by appropriate authorities following necessary due processes, but the many irregular, often duplicated and sometimes hastily posed taxes and charges which some agencies pursue for short-term revenue gains neglecting the greater long-term impacts of their actions on investor confidence, the socio-economic wellbeing of our people and overall national economic growth,” he said.

He said that some state and local government agencies imposed such taxes and regulations without appropriate legal backing, adding that it affected the industry’s out put in general.

“Multiple taxation and regulations imposed on infrastructure maintenance, environmental impact charges, waste collection charges in addition to value added tax and sales tax being paid simultaneously add to the cost of services enjoyed by the consumers,” he said.

He advocated for proactive measures to proffer lasting solution to the problem of multiple taxation and regulations.

“I am, therefore, pleased to note that one of the most pivotal actions taken by President Bola Tinubu, upon assuming office, was the establishment of Presidential Tax Reform Committee.