Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has sharply criticized Nigeria’s tax regime, particularly condemning exemptions that allow certain private companies to operate without paying taxes to state and federal governments.
In a media coverage by Symfoni TV from 7:13, SAN Femi Falana highlighted what he sees as unfair advantages given to businesses in free economic zones. “Many of those who donated last week operate in a place they call free economic zone. And in that Zone we are not bounded by the tax laws of Nigeria, in other words they are exempted from payment of federal, state and local government taxes,” he stated.
The Human Rights Activist emphasized the extensive privileges these exemptions provide, adding, “In that sense whatever they are importing to the country are free.”
The prominent lawyer condemned the legal framework supporting such exemptions. “I have made the point repeatedly that this law is illegal, discriminatory and unconstitutional,” he declared.
Pointing to specific examples of inequity, Falana questioned, “Somebody who has a factory valued at over $20 billion and he is not paying taxes. What kind of taxation regime is that? All the things imported by him duty-free.”
He argued that these practices violate Nigeria’s legal framework, stating, “It’s discriminatory, it’s illegal and contrary to section 42 of the Constitution and article two of the African Charter on Human and People’s Right.”
He stated further that meaningful tax reform would require significant political courage, as it would necessitate “stepping on the toes of some people whom he considers as dangerous Nigerians.”
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