Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and Plateau State Government Reach Settlement on Tax Dispute

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Plateau State government have reached a settlement on their long-standing tax dispute. The dispute has now been withdrawn from the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and a four-man technical committee has been established to resolve the matter.

In a press statement, the General Manager of Corporate Affairs at the NSITF, Nwachukwu Godson, announced the members of the committee, including representatives from the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) and the NSITF. The committee has been given one week to deliver on its assignment.

The NSITF has also taken a significant step towards resolving the dispute by paying off the backlog of 'Pay As You Earn' (PAYE) tax to the tune of N62 million to the PSIRS. This payment demonstrates the fund's commitment to fulfilling its tax obligations and settling the decade-long arrears owed to the state.

Mr. Jim Pam Waya, the Executive Chairman of PSIRS, commended the NSITF for its renewed dedication to clearing the arrears and accepted the request for an out-of-court settlement. Waya also pledged his agency's support for the implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS) in Plateau State.

However, Waya expressed dissatisfaction with the PSIRS' failure to contribute the required one percent to the ECS since registering for the scheme in 2012. He promised to rectify the situation and ensure the agency fulfills its obligations to the welfare of workers. The ECS provides social security for workers and their dependents in cases of accidents or death in the workplace.

During the meeting, Mr. Martins Kuku, the Jos Regional Manager of the NSITF, called for a working partnership between the two organizations. He stressed that the NSITF, as a responsible social security agency, remains committed to serving the government and workers in Plateau State. Kuku emphasized the importance of resolving the tax dispute and sought the PSIRS' cooperation in reaching an out-of-court settlement.

Kuku also highlighted that the NSITF has been consistently paying claims and compensations to eligible beneficiaries in the state. He urged government agencies to support the spread of awareness about the benefits of the Employee Compensation Scheme and its positive impact on Nigerian workers.

The successful resolution of the tax dispute between the NSITF and the Plateau State government marks a significant step towards fostering harmonious inter-agency cooperation. Both parties have shown a willingness to work together and prioritize the welfare of workers in the state.

This positive development bodes well for the implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme and the promotion of social security initiatives across Plateau State. By resolving their differences, the NSITF and the Plateau State government have laid the foundation for a fruitful partnership that benefits the citizens of Nigeria.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-12 News

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