Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the federal government’s tax reform agenda, saying the policy will improve the lives of Nigerians and eliminate the burden of multiple levies on businesses and low-income earners.
Shettima stated that the reforms were carefully designed to reduce poverty and support economic growth rather than worsen the financial situation of ordinary citizens.
He spoke on Wednesday evening at an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House in Abuja, where he represented President Bola Tinubu.
The event was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, presidential advisers, senior special assistants and heads of government agencies.
According to the Vice President, the tax reforms will simplify Nigeria’s taxation system and reduce the pressure of numerous charges imposed on small businesses and individuals.
“The same people who are shouting hoarse that the tax reform is meant to pulverise further and pauperise the poor are far from the truth,” he said.
“We have to go out and tell the truth to the people. We have to educate them. We have to mount the pulpits and take our government to the Nigerian people and tell them the truth.”
Shettima urged government officials and stakeholders to actively communicate the objectives and benefits of the administration’s reforms to Nigerians.
He noted that the government remains concerned about the welfare of citizens and is implementing policies aimed at lifting many people out of poverty without increasing their financial burdens.
Highlighting some gains of the administration’s economic reforms, Shettima cited improvements in the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, the unification of exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidy.
He said President Tinubu demonstrated courage in implementing reforms that previous administrations had avoided.
The Vice President explained that although the removal of fuel subsidy was not part of the President’s inaugural speech in 2023, it became necessary because the subsidy system was draining resources needed for national development.
According to him, the country’s economic outlook has improved significantly since the reforms were introduced.
“Three years down the road, the economy has bounced back,” he said.
Shettima thanked government officials and stakeholders for their support of the administration’s reform agenda and urged them to remain committed to promoting its achievements.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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