Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has pointed out that Nigeria’s tax collection rates are significantly low, posing a challenge to the country’s ability to finance essential sectors such as health and education.
Gates made these remarks on Tuesday, September 4, during Nutrivision 2024, a pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
In addressing potential financing mechanisms for large-scale public health initiatives, Gates emphasized the critical need for increased tax revenue to support these sectors effectively. He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential to become a net exporter of food, given its vast agricultural land and favorable soil conditions. However, this potential can only be realized with the right credit facilities, agricultural advice, and soil surveys.
Gates underscored the importance of improving agricultural productivity, especially in rural and northern regions, to enhance equity and support nutrition initiatives. He called for embracing digital approaches and better seed technology to drive an agricultural transformation that could significantly boost the country’s economy.
On the health front, Gates stressed the necessity of prioritizing healthcare and ensuring that citizens develop confidence in both public and private health programs. He highlighted the importance of running efficient primary healthcare systems, where resources are optimally allocated, and services are reliable.
Gates concluded by expressing optimism about the credibility of health programs in Nigeria, noting that as these programs gain trust, they should be prioritized and well-funded, especially as Nigeria seeks greater fiscal flexibility.
