By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained why Nigerians should pay their taxes to government.
Wike noted that paying tax is obligatory and Nigerians must not default in remitting their taxes as this will amount to robbing the government.
The Minister spoke on Wednesday during a business and investment summit organised by the Abuja Investment Company Limited.
Wike stressed that paying taxes will boost infrastructural development in the country.
In his keynote address, the FCT minister said there is a need for collaborative efforts between the government and investors in the country.
“When people say the government is not to make money… who told you that? If the government is not to make money, how do we have money to provide services? The government needs money,” he said.
“That is why the government says pay your tax. It’s very important.
“While we provide the enabling environment, we also believe that we have to encourage you so that you get what you (citizens) are supposed to get and the government gets what it is supposed to get. That way, everybody will go home smiling.”
Speaking further, Wike said the FCT is the “best destination” for investments due to its population and strategic location.
“The FCT administration has undertaken significant measures to create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors,” Wike said.
“We recognise that infrastructure is the backbone of any successful investment. That is why we have prioritised the development of roads, transport networks, utilities to ensure seamless connectivity with the territory.”
Wike statement is coming weeks after President Bola Tinubu sent four different executive bills to the National Assembly seeking to reform the country’s tax system.
Tinubu noted that the Tax Bill will help provide a consolidated fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria.
