KEMI OMONIYI
NIGERIA: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, on Monday, debunked reports making the rounds that the rate for Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been upwardly adjusted to 10 per cent from 7.5 per cent.
The minister, in a statement he signed by himself, affirmed that the VAT rate, as contained in relevant tax laws and chargeable on goods and services, remained 7.5 per cent.
“The current VAT rate is 7.5 per cent; and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable. “Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate.
“The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws and tax administration. All the three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of the government.
“Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth, reduces poverty as well as makes businesses flourish.
“The imputation in some media reports on the issue of VAT and the opinion articles that have sprouted from them seem to wrongly convey the impression that the government is out to make life difficult for Nigerians.
“That is not correct. If anything, the Federal Government has, through its policies, demonstrated that it is committed to creating a congenial environment for businesses to thrive.
“In fact, it is on record that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to bring relief to Nigerians and businesses, recently ordered the stoppage of import duties, tariffs and taxes on rice, wheat, beans and other food items.
“For emphasis, as of today, VAT remains 7.5 per cent and that is what will be charged on all the goods and services that are VAT-able,” Edun said.
