Nigeria’s tax collection rates are “pretty low” and pose a great challenge to financing critical sectors like health and education, according to Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates made the remarks during Nutrivision 2024, a Pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition held in Abuja.
He stated that Nigeria needs to increase its tax collection rates to fund essential public services.
The philanthropist stressed that citizens must trust the government’s ability to deliver quality healthcare, which requires a commitment to effective management of health programme funds.
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He pointed out the importance of running an efficient primary healthcare system with well-placed and adequately staffed centers.
Gates showed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to massively boost its agricultural output, suggesting that the country could transition from a net food importer to a major food exporter.
He announced the need for improved credit facilities, comprehensive soil surveys, and effective advisory services for farmers.
The billionaire suggested that by leveraging digital technologies and adopting improved seed varieties, Nigeria could trigger an agricultural “miracle” that would boost the economy and address equity and nutrition challenges across the country.
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