Former Ekiti North Senator, Ayo Arise, has expressed his support for the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the necessity of taxation for Nigeria’s survival. He emphasized that without a form of taxation, the country would struggle to generate revenue.
In an interview with DAILY POST on Monday, Arise noted that no nation could thrive without implementing taxes in one form or another. He pointed out that for Nigeria to enhance its revenue base, taxation was crucial, especially in the context of subsidy removal, which the nation can no longer rely on.
Arise further praised the administration’s efforts to boost revenue generation, citing the increase in excise levies and the country’s growing export activities. He noted that Nigerians are now exporting more products than ever before, including textiles, clothing, and agricultural items like cashews, a significant shift from previous administrations.
He also shared insights from a conversation with the Comptroller-General of Customs, noting that Nigeria’s export activity had dramatically improved. In the past, ships returning to the country were often almost empty, but now there is an upturn in exports, reflecting positive changes in the nation’s trade dynamics.
“No nation can survive without one form of taxation or the other. Otherwise, there is no way the country can generate more income.
” We have been talking about subsidy removal and everyone knows this country can no longer live on that single product.
“The President wants to see the country generate more revenue. If you look at the excise levies, Nigerians are now exporting more than under any previous government. These are part of the achievements of this government. People are beginning to be productive. They are exporting in droves. They are exporting our culture, including our clothes.
“They are exporting our textiles and other items like cashews. I had an opportunity of speaking with the Comptroller-General of Customs and I asked him questions concerning our exports. In the past people used to bring in so many products but the ship returned almost with no cargo. That is no longer the case.
“So things are improving in terms of activities at the Customs because we are expecting more,” he said.
