Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s new tax reforms will ease the burden of multiple levies on small businesses and low-income earners.
He explained that the measures are designed to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods.
Shettima spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu during the interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House on Wednesday.
The event was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, the Central Bank governor, advisers, and heads of agencies.
The Vice President dismissed the analysis that the reforms would hurt the poor.
“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. We have to go out and tell the truth to the people,” he said.
He urged government officials to educate citizens about the benefits of the reforms and counter misinformation.
Shettima highlighted gains from recent economic measures, including increased foreign exchange reserves, streamlined exchange rates, and the removal of fuel subsidy.
He explained that subsidy removal was not mentioned in Tinubu’s 2023 inaugural speech but had to be announced because it drained resources needed for development.
“Three years down the road, the economy has bounced back,” he added.
The Vice President praised Tinubu’s courage in tackling issues avoided by past administrations.
He assured that the government is committed to lifting citizens out of poverty through policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On behalf of the President, I want to thank you all for comradeship, support and partnership,” he said, calling on officials to remain champions of the administration’s reforms.
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