By Prosper Mene
Doris Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, has urged the nation to boost its domestic revenue mobilization capacity as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable national development. Speaking at a high-level economic forum in Lagos on Wednesday, Uzoka-Anite emphasized that Nigeria must reduce its reliance on volatile commodity markets to safeguard its economic future amid global shifts toward diversified economies.
Citing the risks of Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on oil and gas exports, Uzoka Anite noted that global transitions away from fossil fuels and commodities demand a proactive approach to fiscal resilience. “The world is moving rapidly, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Strengthening our domestic revenue base is not optional, it is imperative for funding critical infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other development priorities,” she stated.
The minister advocated for comprehensive reforms in tax administration, including leveraging technology to improve compliance and transparency while broadening the tax net to capture untapped sectors. She also called for innovative fiscal policies to stimulate non-oil revenue streams, such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, which she described as “pillars of a diversified economy.”
Anite’s comment come at a time when Nigeria faces mounting economic challenges, including inflation related pressures and foreign exchange constraints. She stressed that a robust domestic revenue framework would reduce the country’s exposure to external shocks and enable consistent funding for the government’s ambitious development agenda, including President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.
Citing successful models from other African nations, Uzoka-Anite pointed to Rwanda and Kenya, where enhanced domestic revenue systems have supported sustained growth. “We have the potential to replicate and surpass these successes by harnessing Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources,” she said, urging collaboration between the government, private sector, and citizens to achieve this goal.
The minister also addressed concerns about the ease of doing business, pledging to work with relevant agencies to streamline processes that hinder revenue generation. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses thrive, and in turn, contribute meaningfully to our revenue pool,” she assured stakeholders.
Economic analysts have praised Uzoka-Anite’s focus on domestic revenue but cautioned that implementation will require political will and public buy-in. “The minister’s vision is spot-on, but Nigeria must tackle systemic inefficiencies and public mistrust in revenue collection to make this work,” said Dr. Chidi Okoye, an economist at Lagos Business School.
The government’s next steps, including proposed tax reforms and investment in non-oil sectors, will be closely watched as critical indicators of its commitment to sustainable development.
