By Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN
INTRODUCTION
Because of the state’s casual attitude toward collecting the roads fee, the majority of Nigerians consider it inconsequential, due to the fact that the daily revenue from road taxes is so small in comparison to other taxes, some states even regarded it as unimportant to the state’s revenue.[1] In Nigeria, road charges are still acceptable for at least three reasons. The most evident is money generated for both building new roads and maintaining old ones. For instance, repairing all of Nigeria’s roads will cost the federal and state governments a combined N17.61 trillion. This projection also counts on no new buildings being built.[2] Sadly, this estimate is higher than 70% of the combined federal and state governments’ overall spending. Even worse, neither of these two tiers of the Nigerian government has allocated a combined 15% of their total budget for road infrastructure.[3]
The consequence is that our roads’ future conditions will become even worse than they are right now, without fresh sources of funding for improvements to the road infrastructure.[4] Secondly, while idealistically funding road infrastructure should come from road taxes, these money sources can also be used to enhance other aspects of governance. The safety of human lives is the third justification.[5] The pertinent responsibility of any component of tax is to upsurge revenue generation in such state[6] Due to the federal government’s distribution of crude oil proceeds to the states a decade ago, many states neglected their road taxes.[7] Many drivers avoid paying their road taxes, and some drivers fail to even register their vehicles, even if they have been on the road for a long time.
Road Tax Administration in Nigeria
Road tax refers to a tax compulsorily paid on wheeled vehicles using public roads. All states require an annual registration fee for vehicle owners in order to permit the usage of such vehicles on roads.[8] The road tax levy varies from state to state, depends on vehicle kinds, and is also based on the capacity, engine, and categories of vehicle. These categories of vehicles are passenger cars, taxis, lorries, trucks, buses, motorcycles, tractors, vans and tricycles.[9] Annually, the vehicle owners, based on engine displacement, and manufactured years, pay annual road tax to government so that their contributions are felt by the government for the effective discharge of fiscal roles. In Nigeria, states collect annual vehicle road tax, which is imposed at a fixed rate on vehicle categories as determined by each state.
The road taxation laws in Nigeria are primarily governed by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act[10], the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act[11], and the State Road Traffic Management Authority (SRTMA) Acts and regulations. These laws outline the various taxes and fees related to road usage and maintenance. Although the law vests the rights to collect road taxes on state governments, the mechanism involves a tripartite arrangement. The three critical players under this arrangement are the Federal Road Safety Commission, the Joint Tax Board and the Road traffic department or vehicle inspection officers [VIOs].[12] Understandably, the Federal Road Safety Commission has statutory rights for producing and issuing driver’s licenses while the Road Traffic Department tests and recommends candidates to the FRSC for licensing. It also has responsibility for inspecting vehicles involved in accidents, certification of driving schools and other kindred concerns.[13]
IMPACTS OF ROAD TAXATION ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
Road taxation in Nigeria, like in many other countries, has several impacts on various aspects of the economy and society. Here are some of the key impacts of road taxation in Nigeria:
It is important to note that the specific impacts of road taxation in Nigeria can vary depending on the design of tax policies, the effectiveness of revenue collection and allocation mechanisms, and the overall governance and management of road infrastructure.[21]
CONCLUSION
Road taxation has had a significant impact on Nigeria, both positive and negative. On the positive side, road taxation has played a crucial role in generating revenue for the government, which has been used to fund infrastructure development and maintenance. The funds generated from road taxation have contributed to the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.[22] Moreover, road taxation has encouraged compliance and accountability in the transport sector. By implementing tolls, taxes, and fees, the government has created a system that holds road users accountable for their contribution to road maintenance and upkeep. This has helped in curbing the problem of inadequate funding for infrastructure projects and has promoted a sense of responsibility among road users.[23]
However, road taxation has also faced challenges and criticism. One of the major concerns is the mismanagement of funds generated from road taxes. There have been instances of corruption and embezzlement, where funds intended for road infrastructure development have been diverted or misappropriated. This has hindered progress and created a trust deficit between the government and the citizens.[24] To maximize the impact of road taxation in Nigeria, it is crucial for the government to address the issues of transparency, accountability, and efficient fund management. Strict measures should be in place to prevent corruption and ensure that the funds generated are utilized effectively for road infrastructure development, maintenance, and safety measures.
Furthermore, the government should consider the socio-economic implications of road taxation, particularly on low-income individuals and vulnerable groups. Efforts should be made to mitigate the burden on these populations by implementing progressive tax systems, providing exemptions or discounts, and investing in alternative modes of transportation to reduce reliance on road networks.[25]
RECOMMENDATIONS
When designed and implemented effectively, road taxation can have a significant positive impact on the economy, promoting sustainable growth, improved efficiency, and enhanced quality of life. To optimize road taxation to maximize economic benefits this work recommends as follows:
SNIPPET:
It is important to note that the specific impacts of road taxation in Nigeria can vary depending on the design of tax policies, the effectiveness of revenue collection and allocation mechanisms, and the overall governance and management of road infrastructure
Key terms: Road taxation, road revenue
AUTHOR: Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN
Mr. Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN is the Managing Partner of O. M. Atoyebi, S.A.N & Partners (OMAPLEX Law Firm).
Mr. Atoyebi has expertise in and vast knowledge of Corporate Law Practice and this has seen him advise and represent his vast clientele in a myriad of high-level transactions. He holds the honour of being the youngest lawyer in Nigeria’s history to be conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
He can be reached at atoyebi@omaplex.com.ng
CONTRIBUTOR: Ifediora Obiora
Ifediora is a member of the Dispute Resolution Team at OMAPLEX Law Firm. He also holds commendable legal expertise in Taxation Law Practice.
He can be reached at ifediora.obiora@omaplex.com.ng
[1] Ike-Muonso M, ‘Of road taxation in Nigeria’ <https://www.businessamlive.com/of-road-taxation-in-nigeria/> accessed 19 May, 2023.
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Adegbite T.A ‘Personal Income Tax and Government Revenue: Evidence from Oyo State. International Journal of Social and Administrative, [2017] 2(2), 45-51.
[5] Adegbite T.A. An Investigation on the Influence of Taxation on Economic Growth in Nigeria. Academic Journal of Economic Studies, [2020] 6(2), 12-20
[6] O C Ogbodo & C L Nweze, ‘Effect of Tax Revenue on Economic Development: Evidence from Nigeria’ Research Journal of Management Practice, [2021] 1 (2), p17-32.
[7]Ibid
[8] Adegbite T A & Azeez B A. Exploring Road Tax in Cushioning the Effects of Downplaying Revenue Generation in South Western States, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Accounting and Finance, [2021] 13 (2). <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358642044> accessed 19 May, 2023.
[9] Ibid
[10] Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, No. 7, 2002.
[11] Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act, 2007.
[12] Majeed B, ‘FIRS mulls road tax law to increase revenue generation’ <https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/479986-firs-mulls-road-tax-law-to-increase-revenue-generation.html?tztc=1> accessed 19 May, 2023.
[13] Ibid
[14] Omolola A, ‘Road Taxes: Taxation as a viable Tool in Solving Nigeria’s Infrastructural Deficit’ <https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/road-taxat-omolola-ambrose/> accessed 19 May, 2023.
[15] Adeyemi A & Chinaza A, ‘Evaluation of the road infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme – Three Years After’ <https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/sales-taxes-vat-gst/1255658/evaluation-of-the-road-infrastructure-tax-credit-scheme–three-years-after> accessed 19 May, 2023.
[16] Wadesango N., Bizah S. & Nyamwanza L. The Impact of Tax Amnesty on Tax Compliance and Tax Evasion Behavior among SMES. Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal, [2020] 26(3), 1-10.
[17] Omondi, B. O. The Effect of Custom and Excise Duties on Economic Growth in Kenya. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications,[2019] 9(1), 530 -546
[18] Ibid
[19] Samuel, S. E. & Tyokoso, G. Taxation and Revenue Generation: An Empirical Investigation of Selected States in Nigeria. Journal of Poverty, Investment and Development, [2014] 4(10), 12- 2
[20] Neway, G., Kenenisa, L.D., & Woldemicael, S. Determinants of Tax Revenue in Ethiopia. Journal of Economics, [2018] 6(1), 58-64.
[21] Ibid
[22] Emmanuel S. N. The Impact of Tax Administration on Revenue Generation in Gombe State, Nigeria. Scholedge International Journal of Management and Development, [2018] 5(8), 86- 95.
[23] Ibid
[24] Ibid
[25] Ganyam A.L., Ivungu J.A. & Anongo E. T. Effect of Tax Administration on Revenue Generation in Nigeria: Evidence from Benue State Tax Administration. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management,[2019] 7(7), 394- 414.
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