VAT: You’re Suffocating Nigerians With Polices – HURIWA Tells Tinubu

The Federal Government’s decision to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5 percent to 10 percent has been denounced by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which claims that the Government’s ongoing financial burden on Nigerians is pushing the country’s populace into ever-deeper poverty.

HURIWA issued a warning that the country would experience instability and upheaval as a result of these measures, which are supported by the World Bank, the IMF, and wealthy people like Bill Gates.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA called for an urgent reversal of the VAT hike and other “suffocating” fiscal measures that are exacerbating the populace’s economic hardship.

The group cautioned that Nigerians may not tolerate further deterioration in their economic conditions, which might lead to civil disobedience.

“The VAT increment is just one in a series of damaging financial measures. Since the removal of fuel subsidies, petrol prices have surged by over 200%, with ripple effects on transportation, food, and other essential commodities. The average Nigerian, especially in low-income groups, is struggling to afford basic necessities,” the statement read.

The group went on to say that the housing industry was being impacted by inflation.

“The Nigerian government is making choices that benefit these institutions but leave the Nigerian people worse off. The well-being of citizens is being sacrificed for economic targets dictated by foreign entities,” HURIWA stated.

Citing the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), HURIWA stated that 133 million Nigerians, or 63% of the population, are living in multidimensional poverty, a striking indicator of the country’s deteriorating socioeconomic realities.

HURIWA also cited United Nations predictions, which predicted that over 25 million Nigerians, particularly in the north, will face extreme food insecurity between June and August 2024.

“The government has done little to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Instead, it has implemented policies that increase the burden on citizens, with no corresponding wage increases or safety nets. This approach is unsustainable and could lead to social instability,” HURIWA warned.

It denounced the FG’s continuous adherence to World Bank and IMF guidelines, which have long supported austerity measures. The group contended that economic indicators, like debt repayment and fiscal balances, are given precedence by these foreign organizations over the welfare of the Nigerian people.

“These financial bodies are promoting policies that align with their global agenda, not with the survival of ordinary Nigerians. The government is blindly following their advice without considering the local realities.

“Bill Gates and other foreign influencers may have good intentions, but they lack an understanding of the daily struggles Nigerians face. Their influence on national policy is detrimental when the policies they support contribute to rising taxes and poverty.

“The Nigerian government is playing with fire. The people cannot continue to bear the weight of these toxic financial policies. If these hikes persist, they could spark mass unrest, similar to what we saw in the Arab Spring.

“The administration must realize that Nigerians cannot afford further hikes in costs of living. The government should prioritize uplifting its citizens rather than impoverishing them,” the statement added.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli