By Eseoghene Emuke
Elder statesman and notable Nigerian businessman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has described recent tax reforms by the government of President Bola Tinubu as the most audacious since the country gained Independence.
Olori, who holds the prestigious traditional title of Obaseki of Ughelli Kingdom in Delta State, said the tax reforms are the best achievement by the administration of President Tinubu, stressing that the reform would put Nigeria on the path of rapid development.
He spoke on Thursday during a press conference in Ughelli, Delta State, noting that any country that wants to move forward must design economic reforms, especially those in the area of tax, to put such a nation on the path of progress.
Olori, who is a major investor in real estate, hospitality and oil and gas, stated that Nigerians should be thankful for the emergence of President Tinubu at a time the country was at a crossroads and for having the wisdom to save the nation from such quagmires.
He noted that tough decisions of the current administration will help the country recover fast from its economic challenges, stressing the need for transparent and sincere implementation of the tax reforms and other economic policies of Tinubu’s government.
The octogenarian observed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari left a dead economy for his successor, positing that Tinubu’s administration has been taking critical decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, to stabilise the economy.
He commended the President for the reforms, noting that the policy would, among other things, eliminate multiple taxation, under-taxation, and other concerning tax issues that have been preventing economic growth and foreign investments in the country.
“President Tinubu deserved commendation for these audacious tax reforms. No Nigerian leader (President) has taken such a daring and courageous decision in the country’s history. As a businessman with over 60 years of experience, this is the best decision any Nigerian President could make. This is highly commendable.
“The tax reforms will, among many things, fix myriads of tax challenges, especially multiple taxation, which has forced many businesses to flee the country. I can confidently tell you that many foreign investors will rush back to do business with the government.
“President Tinubu met a dead economy from the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigerian governments at all levels were finding it difficult to pay salaries and execute projects. But for the bold decision of the President to remove fuel subsidy, there is now surplus funds, even for councils, to execute projects at the grassroot level”, he added.
Olorogun Olori also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and his Aviation counterpart, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, for the tremendous achievements so far recorded in their respective ministries.
The elder statesman said although other ministers were doing their best in helping the APC-led government achieve Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Wike and Keyamo have been the star-ministers of the government.
“If Wike remains the minister of the FCT beyond 2027, Abuja would witness unprecedented infrastructural growth. I just returned from the FCT and what Wike is doing there on behalf of Mr. President is so massive. Wike has surpassed the record of any other minister of the FCT. I commend his infrastructural drive and his hunger to achieve more.
“Another minister in Tinubu’s government is Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN. His record in aviation cannot be compared. Nigeria, under him, is signing all necessary agreements to expand our aviation space in the world. Our airports are wearing new looks. I hope he extends his giant strides to Osubi airport”, Olori added.
He also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the rapid infrastructural development taking place in Delta State, describing him as the best governor to govern the oil-rich state.
Olori also commended Oborevwori for promoting peace and ethnic co-existence in the state, stressing that with the achievements on the ground, Deltans would re-elect him for a second term in 2027.
