Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has said some tax defaulters have started pleading for more time to pay their debts in the Federal Government’s tax amnesty programme.

Adeosun said this on Wednesday while speaking with journalists.

What Adeosun said:

She said over 500 letters have been sent out under the first batch.

“Most of the governors have agreed to give more time for people to make arrangements for payments.

“This is indeed a very good news for Nigeria as it will help reduce over-reliance on oil. It will improve our tax revenue so that whether oil prices are high or low, we will be able to provide basic services for our people.

“Very high net worth people are now being brought into the tax revenue profile. We hope to exceed the target that has been set,” she explained.

Adeosun said the government got information on land registry details from the state governments and the Federal Capital Territory.

“If someone lives in Lagos and has properties in Kaduna, London etc, but only declaring part, with these information, we will get them.

“We also looked at people who had come out in the Panama and Paradise papers. We looked at people who have companies being paid by the government but are not paying the right taxes.

“Even if you have not gotten a letter yet, do not think we have forgotten you. These are just the first 500, others will soon follow. It does not mean that we do not have you on our radar,” he said.

Azeez