Nigerian president, Ahmed Bola Tinubu
Prof Usman Yusuf, previously serving as the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme and a member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has voiced strong objections to the tax policies under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
In a televised interview on Channels Television, dated Sunday, May 19, 2024, Prof Yusuf criticized the administration's decision to impose heavy taxes on Nigerians, despite the adverse socioeconomic impacts of such policies.
He argued that the government's priority seems to be extracting revenue from the populace rather than fostering national development, attributing an increase in poverty and illiteracy to the administration's ineffective strategies.
"People's hope has been shattered. It's heartbreaking to witness our citizens queuing for basic aid. What was once 'Renewed Hope' has degenerated into despair. The past year has been marked by nothing but deceit and destitution," Prof Yusuf lamented.
He challenged the government's narrative, questioning the tangible benefits delivered to the common people. "In just one year, countless individuals have been plunged into severe poverty, and countless children have been deprived of education due to unaffordable school fees. The hunger crisis has worsened. We need transparency from the government, not misleading tales of economic maneuvers," he insisted.
Prof Yusuf further criticized the government's fiscal approach, saying, "The tax hikes, increased interest rates, and borrowing with the illusion of bolstering the naira have only burdened the citizens. The economic advisors seem more akin to tax enforcers than true economists. It's production, not taxation, that drives economic growth."
These remarks coincide with the recent directive from the Federal government, mandating toll payments at federal airport gates nationwide.
Additionally, concerns have been raised by residents of Lagos State regarding alleged corrupt practices by officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), following President Tinubu's implementation of toll collections.
