The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws are consistent with the ideals of a progressive government.
Oshiomhole made the remarks on Wednesday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
The former Edo State governor argued that governments do not generate income independently but rely on taxes paid by citizens and businesses.
According to him, opposition to the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) is largely peculiar to Nigeria, despite the fact that the tax is standard practice in many parts of the world.
“The facts on the ground show that President Tinubu’s tax policy is consistent with the values of a progressive government,” Oshiomhole said.
“It is only in Nigeria that people talk about the government using money or claim that the government earns money on its own. Governments do not earn money; citizens earn income, and the government taxes those earnings — whether individual or corporate,” he added.
He explained that the total revenue of any government is determined by the sum of taxes collected annually.
Oshiomhole stressed that taxes must be paid by those obligated to do so and must be strictly enforced.
“Taxes must be paid by those who are supposed to pay it and must be ruthlessly collected. It’s not a civil obligation. It’s a criminal thing if you breach the tax law, and it has to send people to prison if they decline or doctor the tax books. That is what serious governments should do,” he said.
Defending VAT, the senator described it as a fair tax system, noting that it is tied to consumption, particularly of luxury and imported goods.
“When you and I choose to buy luxury or imported items, then we pay VAT. If you don’t consume luxury, you don’t pay VAT. That is why VAT is fair,” Oshiomhole stated.
He further noted that Nigerians regularly pay VAT abroad without complaints.
“Nigerians pay VAT in London, in America, in Dubai, sometimes up to 20 per cent, and nobody complains. Why is it a problem when it is in Nigeria?” he asked.
According to him, VAT is a global standard, especially on non-food items, and Nigerians should not resist its implementation at home while complying with it overseas.
