- Agency Report
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has allayed concerns over the implementation of new tax reforms, reaffirming that it will eliminate the burden of multiple levies and charges on small businesses.
Shettima maintained that the planning and implementation of the reforms were carefully designed to improve livelihoods.
As against critics claims, the Vice President said the reforms would remove tax burdens on low-income earners and help reduce poverty.
Shettima made this known while speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at an interfaith breaking of fast for Ramadan and Lent held at the State House, Abuja.
He harped on the need to furthrr educate the people on the provisions of the tax reforms.
“The same people who are shouting hoarse that the tax reform is meant to pulverise and pauperise the poor are far from the truth,
“We have to go out and tell the truth to the people. We have to educate them.” Shettima said at the event which had in attendance members of the Federal Executive Council, Central Bank governor and other senior government officials.
The Vice President said officials must take government policies directly to Nigerians and counter misinformation.
He highlighted gains of the administration’s economic reforms, including increased foreign exchange reserves and streamlined exchange rates.
He also cited the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had benefited only a few for many years.
Shettima said the president demonstrated courage by addressing long-standing economic distortions.
“Three years down the road, the economy has bounced back,” he said.
The Vice Presudent further urged government officials to remain active in communicating the administration’s achievements to Nigerians.