The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent, stating that the Government’s continuous additional financial strain on Nigerians are driving the population into deeper poverty.
HURIWA warned that these actions, influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and individuals like Bill Gates, could ignite unrest and turmoil in the land.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA called for an immediate reversal of the VAT hike and other “suffocating” fiscal measures that are compounding the economic suffering of the populace.
The group warned that Nigerians may not endure further deterioration of their economic conditions, which could lead to civil disobedience.
“The VAT increment is just one in a series of damaging financial measures. Since the removal of fuel subsidies, petrol prices have surged by over 200%, with ripple effects on transportation, food, and other essential commodities. The average Nigerian, especially in low-income groups, is struggling to afford basic necessities,” the statement read.
The group further said the effect of inflation was affecting the housing sector.
“The Nigerian government is making choices that benefit these institutions but leave the Nigerian people worse off. The well-being of citizens is being sacrificed for economic targets dictated by foreign entities,” HURIWA stated.
Citing the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), HURIWA emphasized that 133 million Nigerians, or 63% of the population, live in multidimensional poverty, a stark indicator of the country’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions.
HURIWA also pointed to warnings from the United Nations, which projected that over 25 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity between June and August 2024, primarily in northern regions.
“The government has done little to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Instead, it has implemented policies that increase the burden on citizens, with no corresponding wage increases or safety nets. This approach is unsustainable and could lead to social instability,” HURIWA warned.
It condemned the FG’s continued compliance with directives from the IMF and World Bank, which have long advocated austerity measures. The group argued that these external entities prioritize economic statistics, such as debt repayment and fiscal balances, over the welfare of the Nigerian people.
“These financial bodies are promoting policies that align with their global agenda, not with the survival of ordinary Nigerians. The government is blindly following their advice without considering the local realities.
“Bill Gates and other foreign influencers may have good intentions, but they lack an understanding of the daily struggles Nigerians face. Their influence on national policy is detrimental when the policies they support contribute to rising taxes and poverty.
“The Nigerian government is playing with fire. The people cannot continue to bear the weight of these toxic financial policies. If these hikes persist, they could spark mass unrest, similar to what we saw in the Arab Spring.
“The administration must realize that Nigerians cannot afford further hikes in costs of living. The government should prioritize uplifting its citizens rather than impoverishing them,” the statement added.
