Bill Gates highlights concerns over Nigeria’s low tax collection rate, urging improvements to strengthen the country’s economic development. Learn more about his recommendations.
Bill Gates, who co-chairs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has highlighted that Nigeria’s tax collection rates are inadequate. This presents difficulties in funding essential fields such as health and education.
During Nutrivision 2024, a Pan-African dialogue on nutrition for young people held in Abuja, Gates spoke about these matters on Tuesday.
Gates addressed a question about financing mechanisms for extensive public health interventions during his speech, according to The Cable.
In the coming years, Nigeria aims to increase its government funding beyond current levels. However, presently, tax collection remains notably deficient in the country.
The billionaire expressed that when citizens have faith in well-managed education and health programs, they may seek it. His foundation is associated with many successful examples of efficiently spending money on effective primary healthcare systems where the centers are appropriately located and staff members provide excellent service without overload or under load.
For citizens to trust the government’s capability of providing quality healthcare, it is necessary to have a dedication towards proficient management of health program funds as stated by the philanthropist.
Emphasizing the significance of a proficient primary healthcare system, Gates highlighted the necessity for strategically located and appropriately staffed health centers.
By building credibility in health programmes, he pointed out that Nigeria could achieve greater fiscal flexibility and prioritize funding for primary healthcare.
READ ALSO: Bill Gates, philanthropist, pledges an additional $7 billion to countries in Africa
He added that the boosting of credibility for such health programs is thrilling, as it will persuade citizens to prioritize funding primary healthcare and allow fiscal flexibility.
Gates conveyed hopefulness regarding Nigeria’s ability to noticeably raise its agricultural production and proposed that the nation has the potential to shift from a net purchaser of food to a principal provider in exportation.
He emphasized the crucial role of enhanced credit facilities, comprehensive soil surveys, and impactful advisory services for farmers in realizing this conversion.
According to Gates, Nigeria is currently a net food importer even though its geography offers potential for more than doubling its food output. He believes that with the provision of credit facilities and advice to farmers as well as soil surveys, there is an opportunity for transformation in which Nigeria becomes a net food exporter.
Instead of having to spend scarce dollars, especially given the current exchange rate, you are actually earning them by purchasing food.
Improving incomes, according to him, hinges on enhancing agricultural productivity in both rural and northern regions.
The billionaire proposed that Nigeria could induce an agricultural “miracle” and tackle economic, equity, and nutrition issues throughout the country by utilizing digital technologies and implementing better seed types.
