EditorialTax Ombudsman, NCC Move to Tackle Multiple Taxation in Telecoms Sector – Maida
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced discussions with the Office of the Tax Ombudsman on ways to address multiple taxation and other tax-related disputes affecting the telecommunications sector. Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC, disclosed this after a meeting with Dr John Nwabueze, tax ombudsman/chief executive of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman. Maida said the meeting focused on deepening collaboration between the two institutions to strengthen the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. According to him, the collaboration would help address issues surrounding multiple taxation and other tax disputes within the sector, with a view to ensuring that such matters are resolved more quickly and harmoniously. He said a more coordinated approach to resolving tax-related challenges would contribute to creating a more efficient and business-friendly environment for telecommunications operators and other stakeholders. The NCC boss also commended the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, describing Nigeria’s decision to establish the institution as a significant milestone. He noted that Nigeria is among the few countries globally to have a Tax Ombudsman, stressing the importance of the office in promoting a more effective mechanism for addressing tax-related grievances and disputes. Maida said the NCC considers the Tax Ombudsman a key partner in its efforts to build a telecommunications sector that works better for operators, consumers and other stakeholders. He added that stronger institutional collaboration would be critical to addressing challenges in the sector and improving the overall business environment. The engagement is expected to provide a platform for both institutions to work together on tax-related issues affecting telecommunications operators while promoting greater efficiency and harmony in the sector.
