Nigeria is collapsing under the burden of inefficiency, corruption and selfishness. These arrows are being shot at the head of Nigeria right now and continued shots from these elements will kill Nigeria sooner than expected. Our factories are dying, many are relocating to Ghana.
Few things are more debilitating than the toxic claim of multiple taxation; looking for excuses in the face of massive avoidance of truth. What did Ghana do to now become Africa’s business hub? Their currency – the Cedi, almost became worthless before Ghana, in one fell-swoop, brought the axe down on the dollar. The heavens did not fall. What are our universities and research institutes up to?
The greatest loss of all is that of missed employment opportunities and unfavourable investment climate due to the failed power sector. The heat is unbearable and power supply has become a luxury.
What I am saying in effect is that we are the architects of our own woes because we lack the courage to tell ourselves the truth. And the truth is that we are selfish.
For example, what do we do with taxes? Introducing tax incentives is wonderful, particularly to promote investments in the real sector of the economy and to support micro, small and medium-sized businesses. However, we must also keep in mind that there would be more revenue to finance key infrastructure if and when we all pay taxes as at when due.
John R. Jimoh,
Ijebu-Ode.