BILL GATES URGES NIGERIA TO ENHANCE TAX COLLECTION, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
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BILL GATES URGES NIGERIA TO ENHANCE TAX COLLECTION, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
At the Nutrivision 2024 event in Abuja, Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to improve its tax collection to better fund critical sectors like healthcare and education.
Gates highlighted that the country’s current tax collection is insufficient, impeding its ability to finance essential public services effectively.
“The actual tax collection in Nigeria is pretty low,” Gates remarked. He emphasized that increasing citizens’ trust in government programs, especially in healthcare, is essential for the successful implementation and expansion of these services.
Effective management of health programs could enhance public confidence, leading to more substantial funding for primary healthcare and providing Nigeria with greater fiscal flexibility.
Beyond tax collection, Gates also addressed Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting its potential for substantial growth.
He expressed optimism that with improved credit facilities, comprehensive soil surveys, and effective advisory services, Nigeria could significantly boost its food production.
Gates envisions a future where Nigeria transitions from being a net food importer to a major food exporter, thanks to enhanced agricultural productivity.
He stressed the importance of agricultural development, particularly in rural and northern regions, to increase incomes and spur economic growth.
Gates called for the adoption of digital technologies and improved seed varieties to achieve an agricultural “miracle,” which could transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and contribute to broader economic advancement.
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