Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has addressed the ongoing issues with tax collection, highlighting a gap between what Nigerians expect and the actual revenue available to the government.
In an interview with TVC NEWS, he pointed out that while citizens demand quality infrastructure and services, they are often unwilling to contribute through taxes.
Wike remarked, “Collecting taxes is not straightforward. I don’t know how many people here enjoy paying taxes. Nigerians desire everything for free, including roads and electricity. It’s a challenge.”
He further noted that when he arrived in Abuja, the funding was around 8 to 9 billion naira, which is only 1% of the federal government’s total allocation. For instance, if the federal government receives 1 trillion naira, Abuja only gets 10 billion, which is insufficient to cover monthly salaries, typically ranging from 12 to 13 billion naira, leaving the government to find alternative funding sources.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
Responding to public criticism, Wike mentioned, “I have faced more abuse than any politician, second only to the president. Everything we do faces backlash, but I’m focused on fulfilling my duties.”
He also emphasized his commitment to financial oversight, saying, “If you challenge me about the tax money we’ve received, I can show you exactly what I’m doing.”
