The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Ekiti State Chapter has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to fairly implement the tax reform bill for the benefits of Nigerians.

The state Chairman of the association, QS Comfort Ade-Ojo made the appeal on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, at a one-day workshop themed: ‘The Tax Law Reforms: Implications on the Nigerian’s Construction Industry.’

QS Ade-Ojo noted that professional surveyors would operate in the state and the country without fear if the bill is fairly implemented, which would further relieve them of financial burdens.

She also explained that the purpose of the workshop was to enable critical stakeholders enlighten members of the association on taxation and how they can abide by the policy without running at loss.

Her words: “There is nothing you do as a human being, as well as in construction that does not come with cost. So, we are standing to protect the client’s interest, to make sure that they get value for money. Whatever amount the client spends, they have value for it. Now that the Federal Government is coming up with a tax reform, there is no way you go into construction contracts that you will not come to tax.

“So, it is important for us as professionals to have an understanding of how this tax works, because it affects our work to deliver either to the contractor or to the consultant.

“The only thing we are hoping is that when the reform is finally passed, it should be implemented fairly”.

Speaking with journalists, Chairman, Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Olaniran Olatona, explained that the tax reform bill is not a policy designed to burden Nigerians, but to alleviate poverty.

While clarifying the controversies surrounding double taxation, he said there are different categories of taxes collectible by the federal, state and local governments.

He, therefore, urged the general public to lodge complaints to the office of the agency if they are being overcharged for further clarification and possible negotiation.

On his part, the Director-General, Bureau of Local Content in Ekiti State, Olalekan Ijidale said the purpose of taxation is to enable the state government to deliver more projects for the benefit of the residents.

He explained that the taxes collected are returned to the public through infrastructural developments.