—- Large Cabinet Stays
——President speaks on fighting corruption
——2025 Budget Will Steer Nigeria Towards Recovery
——2025 a promising year for Nigeria
By Kemi Yesufu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday hosted a team of senior journalists for his first presidential after 18 months in office.
Tax Bills Will Not Be Withdrawn
Chief among President Tinubu’s replies to questions in the chat held in Ikoyi, Lagos, was his insistence that the tax reform bills will not be withdrawn. He described the current tax laws as outdated.
He said: “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we do in yesteryears in today’s economy.
“The reform is pro-poor and it is to widen the tax net, so we can have more people paying.
“The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it ought to be done.”
When asked about his plans to manage the pushback from the Northern leaders, especially over proposed changes in sharing of Value Added Tax (VAT) following the introduction of the tax reform bills, he said “Tax matters are subject of debate, and negotiations until you reach concessions. I don’t mind cutting edges. I will.”
How I am fighting corruption
On the issue of fighting corruption, the President said that he has deployed holistic measures such as the minimum wage increase and the introduction of students’ loans. When pressed on grand corruption as in the case of a former government official who the EFFC seized over 700 units of houses from, Tinubu hailed the seizure saying some of the corruption cases being investigated took place before his tenure.
Large Cabinet Stays
The President in response to a question on calls for the reduction in the size of his cabinet, said that he will not be cutting down the size of his team. He noted, “You don’t give somebody an assignment that they cannot fulfil. The job description must be efficient and effective. Nigeria is a great country. I’m glad we are here.
“Let’s pay attention to efficiency. I’m not ready to reduce my cabinet.”
2025 Budget Will Steer Nigeria Towards Recovery
Speaking on the economy, President Tinubu insisted that the 2025 budget will place Nigeria on the path of recovery. Addressing criticisms surrounding the budget, Tinubu said, “Regardless of what critics are saying and the criticism, this is a budget of restoration and hope. Nigeria is on the path of recovery. We can’t finish the job in one calendar year. I’m not giving myself any excuse. It is only 18 months.”
“We need to produce more for consumption locally. Give reasonable level of funding, and low interest rates to farmers. Improve the security so that people can return to farms and produce more food. Encourage procurement of manufacturing items. Production of jobs.”
The President told the panel of journalists that his administration is exploring measures such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives and affordable transportation to stimulate economic growth.
He also disclosed that in the past three months, his administration has not collected funds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), neither has it resorted to using the ‘ways and means’ option. He said this showed that his policies are leading to improved revenues.
2025 a promising year for Nigeria
Despite the level of hunger and hardship being experienced across the country, the President rounded up the chat promising Nigerians that 2025 will be a good year for them.
“As we celebrate Christmas, I want to assure every Nigerian that 2025 will be a promising year. I seek your continued patience and support as we build a better future together,” he said.
Be the first to comment