Interior minister calls for synergy between agencies on data management

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo has called for the harmonization of the National Identification Number (NIN) and the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for easier access to information to achieve more taxable income for the government.

He added that activities of critical agencies such as the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) must be synergized for better achievements.

The Minister called for this synergy, when he hosted the Secretary of JTB in his office.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo said that the NIN of Nigerians should be the unique security identifier, as it would display tax status and all the relevant information needed. He added that the JTB should create solutions to the harmonization of Data and identity systems.

He decried the issue of tax evasion.He said; “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 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 the aim of his working visit to the Ministry was to seek further meaningful collaboration with the ministry, enhance capacity building with the NIS and commence dialogue on issues relating to expatriate data, and expatriate tax.