Multiple Taxation: MATAN Scribe, Amb. Olakunle Johnson, lauds President Tinubu over his inaugural speech

By Dansu Peter 

Ambassador Olakunle Johnson, the National Secretary of the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, over his stance against multiple taxation, as reflected in his inaugural speech yesterday, May 29, 2023, at Eagle's Square, Abuja, during his swearing-in as the 16th President of Nigeria.

Addressing the media yesterday shortly after the President's inauguration, Ambassador Olakunle, who also doubles as the National Chairman of the Project Implementation Steering Committee, said Tinubu's speech against multiple taxation is a vindication of the complaints by the union, which has constantly bemoaned multiple taxation suffered by its members.

The Project Implementation Steering Committee of MATAN, headed by Amb. Olakunle Johnson, is the committee championing the VAT Direct Initiative (VDI) in partnership with Federal Internal Revenue Services (FIRS). The committee is also in partnership with the Joint Tax Board (JTB) for the Single Inter-state Road Tax Sticker (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) Initiative.

Amb. Olakunle expressed confidence in the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it's a new dawn in Nigeria and for marketmen and women across the nation.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said in his inaugural speech that his administration will not condone multiple taxes. He said his administration will review the complaints about multiple taxes and various anti-investment inhibitions.

His words:

"I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxes and various anti-investment inhibitions."

"We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home."