Ambassador Olakunle Moses Johnson, Chairman of the Integrated Market Revenue Management System on VAT Direct Initiative (IMRMS-VDI), and Amb. (Dr.) Joshua Wole Osatimehin, Commander General of the Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service, are pictured carrying the MOU document, with other members attentively observing alongside.
MATAN Partners Nigerian Hunters & Forest Security Service to Boost Tax Compliance in the Informal Sector
NEWS DIGEST – In a significant move aimed at bolstering tax compliance within Nigeria’s informal sector, Ambassador Olakunle Moses Johnson, Chairman of the Integrated Market Revenue Management System on VAT Direct Initiative (IMRMS-VDI) under the Market Traders’ Association of Nigeria, has formalized a strategic collaboration with The Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service.
This partnership aims to safeguard farmers and other stakeholders operating within the Nigerian forest and bushes, facilitating their tax compliance and fostering economic growth.
Ambassador Johnson emphasized the critical role of security in fostering economic growth and stability, citing the government’s obligation to ensure the safety of its citizens.
He underscored the importance of partnerships with relevant agencies, highlighting the pivotal role that hunters and forest services play in safeguarding communities, particularly in forested regions.
“Insecurity poses a significant threat to our economy, hindering growth and prosperity. President Tinubu’s government is committed to addressing this challenge, and collaboration with agencies like The Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service is integral to our strategy,” stated Ambassador Johnson.
Recognizing that security is a collective responsibility, Ambassador Johnson urged hunters to complement governmental efforts by securing forests and eliminating criminal elements that impede the productivity of farmers and the safety of the informal sector.
Citing statistics, Ambassador Johnson highlighted the substantial contribution of the informal sector to Nigeria’s economy, with approximately 70 percent of households engaged in crop farming activities and 41 percent involved in livestock ownership or raising.
He emphasized the potential for further expansion, particularly within the vast forested areas comprising over 80% of Nigeria’s landmass, spanning 910,800 square kilometers.
In response, Amb. (Dr.) Joshua Wole Osatimehin, Commander General of the Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service, reaffirmed the organization’s mandate to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in protecting lives and properties within ungoverned areas, including forests and rural regions.
“The Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service is committed to enhancing security in Nigeria’s forests, working closely with governmental bodies and stakeholders to combat criminal activities and promote economic prosperity,” stated Amb. Osatimehin.
Amba. Osatimehin expressed gratitude to the Market Traders’ Association of Nigeria for their interest in their work. He assured Ambassador Olakunle Moses Johnson and the market traders that The Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service is fully committed to safeguarding ungoverned areas, thus facilitating increased tax compliance.
The partnership between MATAN and The Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service marks a pivotal step towards fostering a secure environment conducive to tax compliance and economic growth within Nigeria’s informal sector.
