AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF INDIRECT TAXATION ON CONSUMPTION IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background of the Study

The mono-product status of the Nigerian economy has received series of criticisms in recent times. According to Okonjo-Iweala (2012), without the diversification of Nigerian revenue from oil, the economy will sooncollapse. Recently, Nigeria’s dependence on crude export for revenue based on the projected priceand assumed production is 80%. However, oil revenue has accounted for over 76% of governmentrevenue. (Ebosele & Adekoya, 2012). The implication of this overly dependence on oil revenue is the boom-andburstnature of the economy (Akpokodge, 2000).

Against the backdrop of the need to diversify the economy of Nigeria, taxation has come extremely handy. Taxationis made up of two broad components and several subcomponents and basically we have indirect and direct taxation. For purposes of this study, emphasis is on indirect tax considering its effect consumption in Nigeria.

However, an indirect tax (such as sales tax, per unit tax, value added tax (VAT), or goods and services tax (GST)) is a tax collected by an intermediary (such as a retail store) from the person who bears the ultimate economic burden of the tax (such as the consumer), this is the major reason why it has great influence on consumption. The intermediary later files a tax return and forwards the tax proceeds to government with the return. In this sense, the term indirect tax is contrasted with a direct tax, which is collected directly by government from the persons (legal or natural) on whom it is imposed (Wikipedia, 2015).

An indirect tax may increase the price of a good to raise the price of the products for the consumers. Examples would be fuel, liquor, and cigarette taxes. An excise duty on motor cars is paid in the first instance by the manufacturer of the cars; ultimately, the manufacturer transfers the burden of this duty to the buyer of the car in the form of a higher price (Lim, 2008). Thus, an indirect tax is one that can be shifted or passed on. This is a function of the relative elasticity of the supply and demand of the goods or services being taxed. Under this definition, even income taxes may be indirect.

Indirect taxation is policy commonly used to generate tax revenue. Indirect tax is so called as it is paid indirectly by the final consumer of goods and services while paying for purchase of goods or for enjoying services. It is broadly based since it is applied to everyone in the society whether rich or poor. Since the cost of the tax does not vary according to income, indirect taxation is a proportional tax. However, indirect taxation can be viewed as having the effect of a regressive tax as it imposes a greater burden (relative to resources) on the poor than on the rich. The taxpayer who pays the tax does not bear the burden of tax; the burden is shifted to the ultimate consumers. Therefore, indirect tax have effect on consumption and the standard of living of the general public.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

Evidence so far supports the view that indirect tax is already a significant source of revenue in Nigeria. For instance, revenue from indirect tax in the year of its inception (1994) was N8.194 billion, which was 36.5 percent greater than the projected N6 billion for that year (Ajakaiye, 1999). However, the members of the organized private sector have been voicing their reservations in the sense that indirect tax is taking a toll on the prices of their products thereby affecting consumption in Nigeria. From an economic point of view, one expects the price of goods subject to indirect tax to rise, however, beyond this expected rise, businesses are taking advantage of the existence of indirect tax to increase prices of goods and services arbitrarily. According to Aruwa (2008), the resulting price increase has led to higher inflation. This may have prompted Mclure (1989) to state that policy makers should be concerned about the macroeconomic impact of indirect tax, especially on prices, output, income and consumption, before considering its adoption. However, the researcher is evaluating the effects of indirect taxation on consumption in Nigeria

1.3   Purpose/objectives of the Study  

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. To evaluate the effects of indirect taxation on consumption in Nigeria.
2. To identify various forms of indirect taxation imposed in Nigeria and their respective effects.
3. To determine other factors that affect prices of goods and consumption in Nigeria.

1.4   Research Questions      

1. What are the effects of indirect taxation on consumption in Nigeria?
2. What are the various forms of indirect taxation imposed in Nigeria and their respective effects?
3. What are the other factors that affect prices of goods and consumption in Nigeria?

1.5   Research Hypothesis

HO: There is no significant relationship between indirect taxation and consumption in Nigeria

HA: There is significant relationship between indirect taxation and consumption in Nigeria

1.6   Significance of the Study     

The following are the significance of this study:

1. The results of this study will provide a basis for minimizing the adverse effects of indirect taxation by the Federal government of Nigeria, while consolidating its benefits because this study will assess the macroeconomic impact of indirect taxation on general price levels and consumption in Nigeria.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7   Scope of the Study

This study on the evaluation of the effect of indirect taxation on consumption in Nigeria will cover all types of indirect taxation on prices of goods and services, consumption and standard of living in Nigeria

1.8   Limitation of the study

1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   Definition of Terms       

Taxation: A means by which governments finance their expenditure by imposing charges on citizens and corporate entities. Governments use taxation to encourage or discourage certain economic decisions.

Consumption: the using up of a resource.

Revenue: income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature.

Inflation: Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising and, consequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling.