IMF backs Nigeria on VAT, tax increase

April 4, 2019
237 Views
https://nationaldailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/966-Babe-320x100.gif

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has thrown its weight behind the planned increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Federal Government.

The Organisation also encouraged the country look into increasing other forms of taxes, from non-oil revenues, as a means of raising more funds.

This was disclosed on Wednesday in a press release after the conclusion of the IMF Executive Board 19 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria.

The Executive Directors said with 2.5 percent in the medium term, and with population growing at a faster rate, growth per capital will be less than zero percent.

The statement read in part, ‘’They welcomed the authorities’ tax reform plan to increase non-oil revenue, including through tax policy and administration measures.

‘’They stressed the importance of strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, including through additional excises, a comprehensive VAT reform, and elimination of tax incentives. Securing oil revenues through reforms of state owned enterprises and measures to improve the governance of the oil sector will also be crucial.’’

It also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop its direct intervention in the foreign exchange market.

“They stressed the importance of strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, including through additional excises, a comprehensive VAT reform, and elimination of tax incentives.

“Directors highlighted the importance of shifting the expenditure mix toward priority areas. They welcomed, in this context, the significant increase in public investment but underlined the need for greater investment efficiency.

“They also recommended increasing funding for health and education. They noted that phasing out implicit fuel subsidies while strengthening social safety nets to mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable would help reduce the poverty gap and free up additional fiscal space.”

The Directors also emphasized the need to strengthen governance, transparency, and anti-corruption initiatives, including by enhancing AML/CFT and improving accountability in the public sector.

‘’Directors also recommended establishing a credible time bound recapitalization plan for weak banks and a timeline for phasing out the state backed asset management company AMCON,’’ part of the release stated.

You may be interested

My Goal Was To Achieve Success With Ten Hag At Man United –De Ligt
Sports
Sports

My Goal Was To Achieve Success With Ten Hag At Man United –De Ligt

Webby - November 14, 2024

Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt has suggested Erik ten Hag didn’t get the breaks he needed to keep his job…

I Want To Take My Game To New Level –Lookman
Sports
Sports

I Want To Take My Game To New Level –Lookman

Webby - November 13, 2024

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has reiterated his commitment to take his game to the next level.The Nigerian international, who…

AFCON 2025Q: Benin Republic Hit By Another Injury Blow
Sports
1 views
Sports
1 views

AFCON 2025Q: Benin Republic Hit By Another Injury Blow

Webby - November 13, 2024

Benin Republic will be without two more players for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Nigeria and…

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.