HURIWA Says FG is Suffocating Nigerians with 10 Per Cent VAT Hike

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has tackled the federal government over the plan to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent and demanded that the increase be reversed immediately.

The body accused the FG of imposing additional financial strain on Nigerians, stating that its policies were driving the population into deeper poverty.

Describing the FG’s fiscal policies as suffocating, HURIWA warned that the actions, allegedly being influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and individuals like Bill Gates, could ignite widespread unrest.

In a statement signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, national coordinator, HURIWA called for an immediate reversal of the VAT hike and other “suffocating” fiscal measures that were compounding the economic suffering of the populace.

The group warned that Nigerians might 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 per cent, 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 reads in part.

The rights group further lamented the effect of inflation on the housing sector, as rising costs had forced landlords to increase rent, pushing many citizens to the edge of homelessness.

“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.