The Tax Payers Association of Nigeria (TAPAN) has applauded the Federal Government for the appointment of globally renowned tax consultant in a bid to reach the target of N2.9 trillion non-oil revenue in 2014.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had on Wednesday disclosed that the Federal Government had contracted McKinsey and Co., a leading tax consultancy group, to help the government work out modalities for the project.

Okojo-Iweala had said: “The FIRS has a target of N2.2 trillion under the 2014 Budget and Nigeria can increase this by another N75 billion and we hope that in the medium term we can improve further.”

In a statement issued in Abuja by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Comrade Valentine Nzekwe, TAPAN said this bold move by the FG would tighten the noose around tax evaders. It decried the current situation where over 75 per cent of small-scale business operators in Nigeria evade tax.

The association agreed with Okonjo-Iweala, who said the non-oil export drive would hike the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) target put at N2.2 trillion by N75 billion.

Said TAPAN: “We agree with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala on this brilliant move because one of the areas of our weakness has always been in our tax policy. With this development we will be shifting focus to the non oil sector of the economy through payment of appropriate taxes by relevant organisations.”

On the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), TAPAN cautioned government to tread with care on the ultimatum given to the lecturers to resume work latest by December 4 or get fired. It advised government to handle the crisis with caution as any attempt to force a decision on the academics may escalate the crisis.

Said TAPAN: “We are not happy about the protracted crisis for obvious reasons, but we think in the interest of our children and the nation both parties should tread with care. To say go back to work or be fired is not a very tactical way of resolving the crisis,” the association said, adding: “We want both parties to return to the negotiating table and ensure they both shift grounds in the interest of the children who have been home for months.”

•Photo shows BoT Chairman, Comrade Valentine Nzekwe.