Nigerians have been urged to pay taxes by Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), since the government needs the money to fund social services for its people.
Wike gave a speech at the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit, which was hosted by the Abuja Investment Company Limited, in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the former governor of Rivers State, the event’s topic, “Optimising Investment Through Partnerships,” aligns with the federal government’s initiative to harness the potential of cooperation to promote investment prospects.
According to the FCT minister, the idea that the government doesn’t require funding is false.
Wike stated that the government will no longer give land and billions of naira to investors that are unable to ensure a return on their investment, citing instances of the government’s collaboration with the private sector that ended badly.
“The government looks into these kinds of things and asks, ‘How can I bring in the money and the land and it won’t make a dime at the end of the day?'” “I said.”
“Who told you the government isn’t supposed to make money? How do we have money for services if the government isn’t supposed to make money? Money is needed by the government.
That’s why the government says it’s crucial to pay your taxes. Therefore, even while we create the favourable conditions, we also think that we must motivate you (investors) to ensure that you receive what you are entitled to and that the government receives what it is due. In this manner, everyone will go home smiling.”
