The Minister, in a statement he personally signed and made available to the media on Monday, affirmed that the VAT rate as contained in relevant tax laws and chargeable on goods and services remains 7.5 per cent.
According to the minister, “The current VAT rate is 7.5 per cent and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable. Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate.
“The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws and tax administration. All the three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of the government.
“Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth, reduces poverty as well as makes businesses flourish.
Obviously reacting to insinuations that the government was seeking to impose additional hardship on citizens, Edun said that was not correct.
“The imputation in some media reports on the issue of VAT and the opinion articles that have sprouted from them, seem to wrongly convey the impression that the government is out to make life difficult for Nigerians.
“That is not correct. If anything, the Federal Government has, through its policies, demonstrated that it is committed to creating a congenial environment for businesses to thrive.
“In fact, it is on record that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to bring relief to Nigerians and businesses, recently ordered the stoppage of import duties, tariffs and taxes on rice, wheat, beans and other food items.
“For emphasis, as of today, VAT remains 7.5% and that is what will be charged on all the goods and services that are VAT-able,” Edun said.
It would be recalled that the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee led by Mr Taiwo Oyedele actually proposed a significant increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from the current 7.5 per to 10 per cent.
However, the committee also proposed a zero VAT charge on food, health, education, and exemption for rent, transportation, and small businesses.