Bill Gates: Nigeria’s Low Tax Collection Hinders Financing Of Health, Education

Abuja, Nigeria– Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s low tax collection rates, highlighting the urgent need for improvements to address funding challenges in crucial sectors like health and education.

At Nutrivision 2024, a Pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition held in Abuja, Gates pointed out that Nigeria’s insufficient tax revenues are impeding the ability to finance extensive public health initiatives.

In response to a question about potential financing mechanisms for large-scale public health programs, Gates emphasized that increasing tax revenue is critical to supporting these essential services.

He underscored the necessity of enhancing tax efficiency to allocate more resources for public investments that drive sustainable development.

The Cable reports that Gates outlined strategies for boosting government funding in Nigeria, noting that the country’s current tax collection remains inadequate.

Gates stressed that effective management of health program funds is essential for building public confidence in education and healthcare services. He advocated for a well-functioning primary healthcare system with properly distributed and staffed centers to ensure high-quality care.

He suggested that building trust in health programs could increase fiscal flexibility, allowing Nigeria to prioritize funding for primary healthcare.

Gates also expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria’s agricultural potential, believing that with proper support, the country could transition from being a net food importer to a major food exporter.

He called for improved credit facilities, comprehensive soil surveys, and effective farmer advisory services to achieve this transformation.

Gates explained that increasing agricultural productivity, especially in rural and northern regions, is crucial for boosting incomes. He proposed that leveraging digital technologies and adopting better seed varieties could trigger an agricultural “miracle,” enhancing economic growth and addressing issues of equity and nutrition nationwide.