CBN backs FG’s plan to increase VAT, says Nigeria has lowest

Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says the plan to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from five per cent to 7.5 per cent is in the right direction to raise country’s revenue.

Emefiele stated this while fielding questions from journalists after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held in Abuja.

He said the government had responsibility to fend for every citizenry by providing basic infrastructure like roads, electricity and hospitals among others.

He explained that the government had only two ways to fund such projects, which are by raising revenue and through loan collection.

According to him, the present government has been criticised by some people for high rate of debt incurred.

“Government unfortunately has no option, if it does not borrow, it must raise revenue and you all agree with me that it has obligations to meet up with.

” The increase of VAT to 7.5 per cent is low compare to other countries, in fact, with this increase, Nigeria has the lowest in the world.

“If the government can meet its obligation through this increment, it should be supported,” he said.

He appealed to Nigerians to show understanding and support government’s policies.

-NAN