The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to pay taxes for government revenue, emphasizing that the government needs financial resources to provide essential services. Speaking at the Abuja Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday, Wike highlighted the importance of tax payments in sustaining public services.
During the summit, themed Optimising Investment Through Partnerships, Wike reiterated that the government relies on partnerships with private investors but stressed that these collaborations must generate returns for the government. He dismissed the misconception that the government does not need to generate revenue, underscoring the critical role taxes play in ensuring funds are available for service delivery.
Wike cited examples where the government had invested heavily in land and finances without seeing any returns, stressing the need for a more balanced approach. “When people say the government is not to make money, who told you that? If the government is not to make money, how do we provide services? The government needs money,” he remarked, urging Nigerians to pay taxes for government revenue.
He further noted that creating an enabling environment for investors does not absolve them of their responsibility to contribute through taxes. “We encourage investors to get their returns, but the government must also get what it is owed, so that both parties benefit,” Wike concluded. The call to pay taxes for government revenue is seen as vital to sustaining infrastructure and social services across the country.
Discover more from Destkelamedia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.