By Seyi Babalola
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerians to pay their taxes, stating that the government at all levels must generate revenue to offer social services to Nigerians.
Wike made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit, which was organized by Abuja Investment Company Limited.
He stated that the event’s topic, ‘Optimising Investment Through Partnerships’, is consistent with the Federal Government’s desire to use the power of cooperation to generate investment possibilities.
According to him, the concept that the government does not require funding is erroneous.
“These are the kinds of things the government looks into and say how can I bring in the money and the land and at the end of the day, the government will not make a dime?
“When people say the government is not to make money, who told you that? If the government is not to make money, how do we have money to provide services? The government needs money.
“That’s why the government says pay your tax; it’s very important. And so, while we provide the enabling environment, we also believe that we have to encourage you (investors) so that you get what you are supposed to get and the government gets what it is supposed to get. That way, everybody will go home smiling,” he said.