“We Must Educate Nigerians On Tax Reforms” — Shettima Says Policy Aims To Reduce Poverty, Not Pauperise The Poor

Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the federal government’s tax reform agenda, saying the policy will simplify Nigeria’s taxation system, eliminate the burden of multiple levies on small businesses and low-income earners, and help reduce poverty.

Shettima spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening at an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House in Abuja. 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.

“The same people who are shouting hoarse that the tax reform is meant to pauperise the poor are far from the truth,” Shettima 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.”

The Vice President explained that the reforms were carefully designed to reduce poverty and support economic growth rather than worsen the financial situation of ordinary citizens. He urged government officials and stakeholders to actively communicate the objectives and benefits of the administration’s policies to Nigerians.

Shettima also highlighted gains from the administration’s economic reforms, citing improvements in the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, streamlining of exchange rates, and the removal of a fuel subsidy that had favoured only a few for many years. He praised President Tinubu for addressing issues that past administrations had avoided, noting that the subsidy system had been draining resources needed for national development.

“Three years down the road, the economy has bounced back,” Shettima said, adding that the government remains committed to implementing policies that lift Nigerians out of poverty without adding to their financial burdens.

He concluded by thanking government officials and stakeholders for their support of the reform agenda and urged continued commitment to promoting the achievements of the administration.

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