Senator Thompson George Sekibo representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District has decried Nigerian’s knack for free things.
In his contribution to the debate on Finance bill which was submitted to the Senate Chambers on Thursday, he said, Nigeria’s disposition to free things makes them complain about everything.
He said reforms in taxation which would see the nation raking more funds to finance the 2020 budget was appropriate.
Sekibo said the founding fathers of Nigeria structured the country in a manner that every citizen wants everything free, hence, they hate paying taxes.
“Maybe this is the way our founding fathers structured our country that everybody almost want everything free of charge’’.
“In some foreign countries, tax is effectively paid to generate revenue and Nigeria cannot be excused from this.”
Earlier in the report, Senate Committee Chairman on Finance, Senator Solomon Olamilekan indicated that about seven areas of tax have been amended to generate adequate funds for the country.
The affected areas include Company Income tax, Value Added Tax, Customs and Excise Duties Tax, Personal Income Tax, Capital Income Tax, Stamp Duty Tax and Petroleum Income Tax.
DAILY POST observed misgivings among some Senators who noted that the amended tax regime would be a burden to the affected areas when it takes effect.
Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Uba representing Anambra South Senatorial district in his contribution debunked the belief that the Petroleum sector was captured in the public hearing.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the proposed amendment to the Petroleum income tax was not a reflection of the Petroleum Industry.
“None of the critical stakeholders in the Petroleum industry was present in the public hearing to make submissions. PENGASSAN, Petroleum Tanker Drivers were not present in the public hearing.
