Gov't accepts proposal to tax President's salary and allowances

The government accepted a recommendation by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) for the President to pay taxes on his salary and allowances while in office on Thursday, July 30. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, announced the government's position while presenting the government's White Paper on the CRC's recommendations. Dr Ayine stated, "The Government has accepted the principle that the President should not enjoy tax exemptions by virtue of office alone. The President will pay tax on salary and allowances, as well as the applicable indirect taxes on goods and services."

However, the government rejected a proposal to tax the President's retirement gratuity and pension. Dr Ayine explained that the government did not accept this recommendation, adding, "The Government has not, however, accepted the proposal to tax the President's retirement gratuity and pension, and the details of the President's tax liability will be worked out in the tax laws, where such details belong." This decision is part of the government's response to recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee, which was established to review aspects of the 1992 Constitution and propose reforms.