TAXATION AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION IN THE NIGERIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT A CASE STUDY OF UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE

ABSTRACT

The study set out to examine taxation and local government development in Nigeria (A case study of Uyo local government area). The population of the study consisted staff of Uyo local government.  The descriptive research design was used and the questionnaire served as the measuring instrument.  The sample of the study was 100 subjects selected through simple random sampling procedure. A total of 133 copies were distributed to the respondents, 120 copies were returned and were properly completed and used for the analysis. The findings showed that a percentage 66.6% of respondents agreed that taxation had positive impact on the development of Uyo local government. The finding also showed that a percentage 50% of the respondents agreed that Federal and state government allocation as well as donations are the major sources of revenue to Uyo local government and that an increase in the revenue from these sources to the local government are appropriate ways to improve taxation. The findings further showed that creation of awareness and reduction in tariff policy are methods adopted for prompt collection of tax in Uyo. Also, the findings revealed that a percentage 66% of the respondents agreed that there are problems of taxation in Uyo local government area. The findings also showed that a percentage 58.3% identified embezzlement of funds as the problem of taxation in Uyo, 50% identified lack of facilities, 50% agreed to general laxity, 50.8% identified the problem to be inadequate education of revenue staff and 66.6% identified the problem of taxation in Uyo to be poor banking facilities. The study recommended that there should be constant awareness programme within Uyo local government to enlighten the rural people for prompt payment of taxes.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. Background Of the study

Ademolekun (2005) noted that one of the recurrent problems facing local government development in Nigeria is dwindling revenue generation as characterized by annual budget deficits and insufficient funds for meaningful growth and viable projects development. This statement implies that local government has ineffective taxation policies which to a large extent affect the revenue base.  Thus, they so much depend on revenue from the federal statutory account. This background brings us to the study if taxation and local government development in Nigeria.

          Tax has been defined by various authorities and professionals in various ways. Webster’s dictionary of the English language defines tax as a charge imposed by government authority on property, individuals or transactions, to raise money for public purpose. Black’s law Dictionary describe tax as a ratable portion of the produce property and labour of the individual citizen taken by a nation. Tax is a compulsory levy which a government imposes on its citizens to enable it to obtain the required revenue to finance its activities (Adesola, 2008).

          Examining the various definitions of tax, one observes taxation is very important for any government if it has to make any meaningful economic development. Thus, this study is concerned with development at the grassroot as being the goals of the local government administration. Thus, in an attempt to carryout development at all nooks and crannies of the society, the local government as the tier of government that is nearest to the people is saddled with the responsibility if direct development of the people to a certain level.

          Development is highly associated with fund, much revenue is needed to plan, execute and maintain infrastructures and facilities at the local government level (Okoli, 2000). The needed revenue generated for such developmental projects like construction of accessible roads, building of public centres, construction of bridges among others are soles generated from states, national and international governments.

Thus, the local government cannot embark, execute and possibly carryout the maintenance of these projects and other responsibilities without adequate taxation. This is the basic reason why development is skeletal at some local government councils in Nigeria. The issue of poor taxation is not exceptional to local government in particular. This, however pronouncedly affect development negatively in local government councils. In the project, the issue to address is how far this poor taxation can affect development especially in Uyo local government.

1.2     Statement of the problem

The local government council takes direct care of the grassroot people that is the problem in the rural areas. These groups of people sometimes lack essential facilities and condition of the modern civilization (Udeh, 2008). They lack pipe borne water to drink, do not have electricity, accessible roads, poor educational infrastructure and facilities to mention but a few.

          This is one of the major reasons of rural-urban migration of movement. This has made our cities to be congested and increase in many criminal activities. Based on the above and foregoing assertions, it is seen that the impact of the poor taxation on the development of the rural area is a serious problem. This might be as a result of poor taxation. If Nigeria is to achieve her desired goal of vision 2020 and possibly meet the millennium development goals (MDGs) targets, the issue of taxation must be addressed squarely. Hence, the researcher is bothered to find out the impact of taxation on the lives of the people at the rural area and how it has affected development in government especially in Uyo local government areas.