A Comprehensive Tax History of Nigeria

Foreword

vii Foreword Several volumes have been written on the subject of taxation and even more volumes on the history of Nigeria. However, while some writers may be credited with the occasional treatise on the history of taxation in Nigeria, it is doubtful if a comprehensive treatment of Nigerian taxation has been done from a decidedly historical perspective. Yet, so much that exists in the form or nature of modern Nigerian tax practice is premised substantially on historical antecedents. This publication narrates the historical evolution of taxation in Nigeria, drawing upon linkages from the past that have provided a continuum for the present, with the view that such analysis would provide a useful guiding tool that would enhance policy reforms. Our country has depended far too long on mineral wealth as a source of government revenue. Persistent fluctuations in global oil prices especially the most recent experience which was occasioned by the global economic meltdown; the exhaustible nature of mineral wealth and in our own case, the insecurity in the Niger Delta have collectively brought to the fore the dangers in our continued dependence on petrodollars. Fortunately, this development has awakened the debate on more sustainable revenue sources to fund government programmes and policies; with the result that taxation now occupies the front burner in our national development debates. This development has also occurred at a time when the Federal Inland Revenue Service, as the government’s taxman, has come under the visionary and innovative leadership of Ifueko Omoigui Okauru. The impressive successes recorded in the last eight years in tax administration have had concomitant results on the growth of non-oil revenue. It is hoped that this impressive trend will continue such that non-oil revenue will eventually account for a substantial portion of the country’s total revenues. This book is thoroughly researched and it is my belief that the information and insights offered in it will be useful to a wide range of readers including tax administrators, policy formulators, academics, students, lawyers, historians and tax practitioners. Without a shadow of reservation, I recommend this book to the reading public. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance Federal Republic of Nigeria Abuja, February 2012 ...