Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari of printing approximately N22.7 trillion through the “ways and means” window, which he claims wrecked the value of the naira and impoverished Nigerians.
Dogara made this statement at the maiden distinguished parliamentarian lecture in Abuja, themed “Navigating Tax Reform in Nigeria: Insights on President Tinubu’s Policies.”
Dogara stated: “N22.7 trillion had been printed and injected into the economy in the name of Ways and Means, thereby destroying the value of the naira in our pockets.”
However, he also praised President Bola Tinubu for rescuing the country from economic instability and unifying the exchange rate.
Dogara described Tinubu as a tested democrat with a passion for a prosperous nation, commending his courage in setting up the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform.
Dogara urged Nigerians to support the tax reforms, noting that they have long-term benefits despite facing opposition from those who benefit from the status quo.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of tax reform for Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development.
She stressed the need for the government to deploy taxes effectively to improve infrastructure.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, highlighted the role of the media in propagating facts about tax reform for positive impacts.
He explained that the purpose of the lecture was to create a platform for distinguished parliamentarians to share knowledge and provide clarity on national issues.
