The Federal Government has stated that ‘runs girls’ (commercial sex workers) will be taxed under the new fiscal reforms.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, made this known during an engagement session at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.
The tax expert explained: “If somebody is doing runs girls (sex worker), right, they go and look for men to sleep with. You know that’s a service. They will pay tax on it.”
He clarified that the new laws make no distinction between legal and illegal income sources.
“It just asks you whether you have an income. ‘Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good?’ Then, you pay tax,” he said.
Oyedele further noted that money sent to family members, friends, or even strangers is not taxable, as such transfers are considered gifts.
He explained: “You earn a certain amount of money and you have to send upkeep to your cousin, your brother, even a stranger, it doesn’t really matter.
“If the amount you are sending is money you are giving to them not because they have done something for you, then it is a gift. We call it a non-exchange transaction. That is not taxable.”
The new tax framework is anchored on four legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.
