The leadership of Africa’s largest food, Dawanau International Grains Market Kano, has expressed strong reservations over the introduction of a new tax regime in Nigeria, warning that its implementation could have negative multiplier effects on the agricultural sub-sector.
President of the market, Muttaka Isah, alongside other key stakeholders, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the policy, noting that the government should first, improve the living conditions of citizens before proceeding with the planned tax implementation.
Many Nigerians entered the new year with apprehension over the much-discussed implementation of the new tax laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amid widespread controversy over whether the version signed by the president differs from that passed by the National Assembly.
As the argument goes on, the President of the Dawanau International Grains Market says he is uncomfortable with the new tax regime, noting that the gradual reduction in commodity prices could be reversed once the law takes effect.
The Vicar of the Anglican Communion Saint, Kano Diocese, Reverend Chris Agbili, believes the government should first focus on improving livelihoods and addressing security challenges before imposing additional taxes on citizens a
Muttaka Isah also notes that the recent drop in the prices of grains and other food commodities is largely due to the reopening of Nigeria’s borders for importation—a development he says may not be entirely beneficial to local production in the long run.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
