The federal government on June 10, called for 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 of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the call when the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), Olusegun Adesokan, visited him in his office.
Tunji-Ojo further advocated for inter-agency collaboration to achieve effective data management in the country.
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.
According to him, 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 noted that many expatriates today are evading tax both at the state and Federal levels.
The minister called for the adoption and implementation of technology to help harmonise critical data.
The Secretary of JTB, Olusegun Adesokan said his visit aimed to seek further collaboration with the Ministry, enhance capacity building with the NIS and begin conversation on issues relating to expatriate data, and expatriate tax.
