Bishop Kukah supports Nigeria's controversial tax reform bills, arguing they will curb financial recklessness among the elite. He urges the government to communicate reforms effectively to alleviate poverty and foster development. Kukah calls for better fiscal management, urging swift action to meet Nigeria's growth and development goals.
Bishop Mathew Kukah, founder of the Kukah Centre, has expressed support for the controversial tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that they could help curb financial recklessness among the elites. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Kukah emphasized the need for the reforms to contribute positively to the country’s development. He acknowledged the criticisms the bills have attracted, particularly concerns about their impact on the northern region and the potential financial burden on Nigerians.
Kukah highlighted that Nigeria’s issues stem from an inability to channel the energy and potential of its people into constructive endeavors, often leading to violence and frustration. He believes the reforms could help address the nation’s fiscal challenges and end the “rascality and irresponsibility” of elites mismanaging the country’s resources. The Bishop urged the government to communicate more effectively with the citizens, noting that the people are struggling with high poverty levels and lack a clear understanding of ongoing reforms.
Kukah further advised the government to focus on communicating its plans and progress more clearly to Nigerians. He also called for accountability, urging the government not to take the loyalty of citizens for granted.
In the context of the ongoing tax reforms, he emphasized that Nigerians need assurances that the reforms will lead to tangible benefits, such as economic growth and poverty alleviation, while avoiding blame-shifting. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State also called for clarifications on some aspects of the bills.
