Nigeria: ICPC to Expose Firms Using Fake Tax Clearance, Audit Reports

Abuja — Companies that are indulging in the procurement of tax clearance and audit reports will soon be exposed as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has commenced full investigation in an effort to unravel and expose them.

This is to ensure that companies bidding for contracts are not tax evaders.

This is contained in a statement by the ICPC Resident Media Consultant, Folu Olamiti, a copy which was made available to Daily Independent, in Abuja, yesterday

The ICPC has also warned members of the business community and private citizens against using forged or fake Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) and Audit Reports to apply for contracts.

According to the Commission: "Already, ICPC has commenced investigation into the procurement of tax clearance certificates and audit reports by several companies to ensure that those bidding for contracts are not tax evaders.

"Subsequently, ICPC is prosecuting tax- related cases in courts especially those cutting corners to win contracts."

Section 25 sub-section (1) (a) empowered ICPC to investigate and prosecute anybody be it corporate or individual for making statement which is false or intended to mislead a public officials in course of discharging their duties.

The section prescribed two years imprisonment for making false statement which is "intended to mislead or its untrue in any material particular" to public officials.

The statement however advised tax assessors, corporate and private citizens to be wary of procuring and presenting forged or corruptly-assessed Tax Clearance Certificates and Audit Reports in order not to run foul of the provisions of the ICPC Act.

See more here: Daily Independent