By Constance Athekame
NAN)The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN) has constituted a committee to review the new tax law on Pay As You Earn ( PAYE) impact assessment on staff salary.
The committee is expected to examine the implications of the law and advise on measures that could protect staff interests while ensuring compliance with its provisions.
Mr Chuks Ochijie, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts disclosed this at a sensitisation programme in Abuja on Thursday to educate its members of staff on better understanding of the new tax law.
The programme has the theme: New tax Laws Governing Paye and STAFF Salary Administration effective January held in Abuja.
Ochijie said that the engagement became necessary following the commencement of the new law and its direct implications for salary administration.
“ Pay As You Earn ( PAYE) computation, staff benefits, allowable deductions, remittance obligations, and overall tax compliance
“ We recognise that tax compliance is not merely a Finance and Accounts issue. It is a governance obligation, a statutory responsibility, and an important part of institutional risk management.
According to him, where PAYE is not properly understood or administered, it may expose both the company and staff to avoidable disputes, penalties, interest charges, back-duty assessments, and unnecessary anxiety, ‘’ he said.
He, however, assured staff that the sensitisation was not intended to create fear or uncertainty but rather to provide clarity, correct misconceptions, explain the legal position, and identify practical areas where staff benefits could be properly treated within the limits of the law.
He added that the exercise was aimed at helping employees better understand the provisions of the new tax law and its implications for their welfare, while ensuring compliance with the relevant legal requirements.
“We are also pleased that this exercise is being supported by the FCT Internal Revenue Service.
“Their participation gives the programme the required technical depth and ensures that the guidance provided is aligned with the position of the relevant tax authority, ‘’ he said.
Ochijie encouraged all participants to listen attentively, ask questions freely, and engage constructively, adding that by understanding the law, its impact would be managed to avoid compliance risks.
The Managing Director of TCN, Mr Sule Abdulaziz said that the session was both timely and important.
Abdulaziz represented by Mrs Biodun Afolabi-Fadahunsi, Executive Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services, TCN, said that sensitisation provided opportunity for staff to get a better understanding of the new tax law.
“Tax policies continue to evolve and it is essential that we remain informed to ensure compliance and make sound financial decisions.
“I encourage everyone to participate actively, listen attentively, and take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification where necessary, ‘’ he said.
Ms Fatima Abubakar, Tax Controller, Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), FCT IRS said that the sensitisation was basically to members of staff of TCN on their obligations and know their rights towards this new tax reform..
Abubakar said the Nigerian Tax Administration Act 2026 became effective Jan.1.
According to her, the new tax reform is to enable uniformity in the process adding, under this administration, tax payers pay less than the previous law.
“ So the programme is to guide them to know their obligations, keep in mind that they will be paying lesser tax and to do the right thing at the right time in order not to be penalised.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Emenogu Chidi, Assistant General Manager, Audit Field TCN said that the team was set up to look at the modalities to implement the new tax laws for the betterment of government and TCN’s staff.
He said that committee was to create awareness and acquaint the members of staff on how the tax law operates to avoid agitation from the workers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee comprises Mr Emenogu Chidi, Assistant General Manager (AGM), Audit Field, TCN, as chairman; Mr Simidele Benedict, Acting AGM, Taxation; and Mr Sorunke Olayinka, Acting AGM, Records.
Other members are Mr Ufene Dennis, representative of the Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees; Mr Solomon A. Kigbu, representative of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies ; Mr Nehemiah Kaskenzo, Officer I, Finance and Accounts Department.
Mrs Uche-Olive Obiekwe, Acting AGM, Risk Management; and Mr Abdulrahman Aliyu, Assistant Manager, Finance and Accounts, who will serve as secretary, complete the list. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa