In a speech at the Pan-African Youth Dialogue on Nutrition in Abuja, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has highlighted the need for improved tax collection in Nigeria. Gates, who was in Nigeria to discuss solutions to various development challenges, emphasized that the country’s low tax collection poses a significant challenge to adequately financing critical sectors such as health and education.
According to Gates, Nigeria’s current tax collection rate is relatively low, and this needs to change if the country is to achieve its development goals. He emphasized the importance of citizens having confidence in the government’s ability to deliver quality healthcare, and noted that this confidence can only be built if there is a commitment to ensuring that health programs are well-funded and efficiently managed.
Gates’ remarks come on the heels of a proposal by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee to increase value-added tax from 7.5% to 10%. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the committee, has said that this increase is necessary to address significant issues in Nigeria’s tax revenue and overall fiscal system.
Oyedele noted that the committee’s mandate includes reviewing governance structures, including borrowing and coordination within the federal government and across sub-national entities. He emphasized that Nigeria’s fiscal system is in crisis, and that urgent action is needed to address these challenges.
Gates’ visit to Nigeria aimed to facilitate discussions on solutions to various development challenges, including health, agriculture, poverty, and nutrition. He met with Nigerian government officials, youth, and partners to explore ways to address these challenges and improve the lives of Nigerians.
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