VDI: MATAN partners ALGON, TAXPAN, NANTS, and over 1000 other trade associations on implementation

By Dansu Peter 

As part of efforts to kickstart the implementation of the VAT Direct Initiative (VDI) of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, the Market Traders Association of Nigeria, MATAN, entered into a partnership last week with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON; the Tax Payers Association of Nigeria, TAXPAN; and other associations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This was exclusively disclosed to News Proof in a telephone chat with the Chairman of the Project Steering Committee of VDI, Ambassador Olakunle Johnson. The VDI is a new tax idea by the FIRS, partnering with the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) to collect and remit Value Added Tax (VAT) from their members—especially those in the informal sector—using unified systems technology.

According to Amb. Kunle, the partnership was necessary for the smooth implementation of the new tax regime, which is aimed at preventing multiple taxation suffered by most Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector. He said MATAN's partnerships with ALGON, TAXPAN, and other trade associations are necessary because they are stakeholders in the informal sector, and their cooperation will ensure a smooth implementation of the initiative.

In the copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) seen by News Proof, the MATAN National Secretary, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, Ambassador Olakunle Moses Johnson, Barr. Donald Ayibiowu, the National Legal Adviser, signed on behalf of MATAN, while Senator Alphonso Igbeke Ubanese, the National Chairman of the Taxpayers Association of Nigeria (TAXPAN),  and Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello, the Director General of ALGON, signed on behalf of their associations, respectively.

Also in the partnership with MATAN are National association of Nigeria Traders NANTS led by Barr. Dr. Ken, the Farmers Association of Nigeria, Importer association of Nigeria led by Hon. Kingsley Chikezie, National association of  female Artisan, (NAOFA) led byChief Mrs. Aborode. 

Others are  NURTW South south, National union of road transport workers, Heavy Truck, South south , South East zone, Tricycle Operators association Babalajes Babalojas Iyalaje Iyaloja association, P.O.S Owner association of Nigeria, among others