I want to commend the Federal Government for reversing its plan to commence the Communication Service Tax (CST), which was billed to take-off on December 1. When Nigerians got hint of the plan, they protested against it, saying it would reduce or curb Nigerians’ access to the internet, mobile communication time, as well as access to satellite television.
With all these, many Nigerians would be thrown deeper into poverty, as they would prefer to save their hard-earned money, rather than spend extra to access communication.
The meaning of this is that there will be more people who will reduce their spending on making calls, or paying for internet access, while many more will shun satellite television all together.
I am, however, happy that the Federal Government listened to the yearnings of Nigerians by shelving the proposed tax, which was to earn the government over N100billion per annum.
Having said this, the government should look at taxing non-essential and luxury items to generate more revenue.
Some Nigerians can’t do without costly imported fashion items and cars, and the government can increase the import tariff on these products to increase revenue.
- Felix Aduba,
Feldubs77@yahoo.com
and then