She said, “With Nigeria joining other African countries to sign the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area, there could be tremendous opportunities for Nigeria in the medium term. However, the AfCFTA could also create a nightmare situation for the country unless the right policies and actions are implemented expeditiously to improve Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.”
Explaining the strategic revenue growth initiatives by the Federal Government, the minister said, “Nigeria must mobilise significant domestic resources to be able to make the necessary investments in human capital development and critical infrastructure.”
She also said, “Given the low revenue to Gross Domestic Products ratio, currently at about 8 per cent, we must optimise revenue generation opportunities.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to call on Nigerians/general public to support this administration in solving Nigeria’s revenue generation problem.
Indeed, some reforms will be tough, but it must be done if we will look at the facts and be frank to ourselves.
“However, we will engage the public in whatever we do, including any changes in taxes with regards to rates or administration methods.
“We will have town hall meetings, stakeholders’ fora, etc., to discuss matters that will affect citizens,” the Minister maintained.
