The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Government’s recent decision to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10%.
The civil rights organization has criticized the move as an additional financial burden on Nigerians, arguing that it will push many into deeper poverty.
In a statement from its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA demanded an immediate reversal of the VAT hike and other “suffocating” fiscal policies that are exacerbating the economic difficulties faced by the populace. The organization warned that such measures, influenced by international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, as well as high-profile figures like Bill Gates, could trigger widespread unrest.
HURIWA highlighted that the VAT increase is part of a series of detrimental financial policies, noting that the removal of fuel subsidies has already led to a 200% surge in petrol prices. This increase has had a cascading effect on transportation, food, and other essential goods, straining the average Nigerian, particularly those in low-income brackets.
The rights group also expressed concern over inflation’s impact on the housing sector. Rising costs have led to increased rents, pushing many citizens closer to homelessness. Despite these severe challenges, HURIWA accused the government of being out of touch with the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The organization argued that these policies are driven by international financial institutions prioritizing fiscal tightening over social welfare. HURIWA criticized the government for making decisions that benefit these institutions at the expense of the Nigerian people’s well-being.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 133 million Nigerians—approximately 63% of the population—live in multidimensional poverty, highlighting the urgency of addressing harmful policies. HURIWA also referenced United Nations warnings about a potential food insecurity crisis, with over 25 million Nigerians at risk between June and August 2024, primarily in the northern regions.
The group warned that the hunger crisis could escalate to catastrophic levels without urgent intervention. They criticized the government for its lack of action on poverty, unemployment, and inequality, instead of implementing policies that further burden citizens without providing corresponding wage increases or safety nets.
HURIWA denounced the government’s adherence to austerity measures recommended by the IMF and World Bank, which prioritize economic statistics over the welfare of Nigerians. The organization stressed that these external entities’ policies do not align with the needs of ordinary Nigerians and warned that continued high taxes, inflation, and widespread poverty could lead to mass protests or social instability.
“The Nigerian government is playing with fire,” HURIWA cautioned. “If these toxic financial policies continue, they could spark unrest similar to the Arab Spring uprisings.”
The organization called for a comprehensive review of economic policies that negatively impact the population and demanded the implementation of poverty alleviation programs. HURIWA urged the government to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians over financial metrics and to focus on uplifting citizens rather than further impoverishing them.
