Abuja, June 10, 2024 – Olubumi Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has called for inter-agency collaboration to achieve effective data management in the country.
He also called the harmonization of the National Identification Number (NIN) and the Tax Identification Number (TIN) to facilitate access to information and improve taxable income for the government.
The minister made the call when Olusegun Adesokan, the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), visited him in his office.
He said the operations of critical agencies such as the JTB and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) should be synergized for better achievements.
A statement from the Director of Press in the Ministry, Ozoya Imohimi, quoted the minister as saying that the NIN of Nigerians should be the unique security identifier, as it would display tax status and all the relevant information needed.
He advised that the JTB should create solutions for the harmonization of Data and identity systems in the country.
Tunji Ojo decried tax evasion in the country, saying “Technologically if there is a way we can bring our NIN and TIN to be one number, we will make it difficult for people to evade tax.
“The relationship between the Joint Tax Board and Nigeria Immigration Service should be like Siamese twins. If there is a synergy, a lot will be achieved.”
He expressed regret that many expatriates in Nigeria were evading tax both at the state and Federal levels due to lack of effective data management in the country.
