Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has criticized the mindset of many Nigerians, stating that a culture of entitlement and reluctance to embrace hard work hinders the nation’s economic growth.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS, Kalu discussed President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax administration reforms and commended the governors and stakeholders supporting the initiative. He emphasized the necessity of the reforms in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“We need to go to the tough area and come back to enjoy the tough area. It’s just that most Nigerians on the streets of Nigeria, we are over pampered, we don’t want to work,” he remarked.
Further discussing the tax reform bill, Kalu highlighted its progressive nature while acknowledging the need for expanded discussions to ensure inclusivity. He described the existing tax laws as outdated and incapable of supporting Nigeria’s 21st-century economic aspirations.
“Most of the laws we are using today in Nigeria are very obsolete, they are gone, they are not functional laws. They are not laws that we should continue using in the 21st century and in a place that you want to remodel and reposition the economy,” he said.
“If we do not do what we are trying to do today, we will be left behind. We started with countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and all the rest of them. Look at even Vietnam yesterday. They’ve all left us behind.” He stressed that implementing the reforms, though challenging in the short term, would yield long-term benefits for the nation.
Kalu praised the efforts of President Tinubu, Professor Oyedele, and FIRS Chairman Zaccheus Adedeji for their roles in crafting the bill. He reiterated that the reforms are non-political and aimed at benefiting all Nigerians.
“I must congratulate the author of the bill, President Ahmed Tinubu, and also Professor Oyedele and the chairman of FIRS, Mr. Zaccheus. I believe that this bill is good for all Nigerians. It’s not political, it’s not sectional, it is for the good of every state in Nigeria and every Nigerian to enjoy this bill.”
Kalu also expressed concern over the reluctance of Nigerians to embrace labor-intensive or innovative opportunities outside major cities. “People only want to come and live in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Aba, or Kaduna. They don’t want to go to the farm. Nobody wants to think about tomorrow,” he stated. He urged Nigerians to move beyond comfort zones and engage in productive activities to secure the country’s future.
