Sponsored Links
 |
| Gen. Buhari |
The Ambassador of European Union (EU) to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Michel Arrion, has tasked the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to address the problem of insecurity, by finding out its causes.
The EU envoy, who was on a two-day visit to Kwara State, also met former governor and state leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Bukola Saraki, where he stressed the need for Nigerians and other West African nations to embrace peace.
He advised the federal government to implement a new tax regime that would compel the rich to pay tax according to their earnings.
He said it was imperative for government to cut its expenditure in order to efficiently manage its resources, since it has no control over oil earnings.
"We have to cut expenditure and we should increase the revenue, income tax and put in place a better tax and fiscal system", he said.
Arrion maintained that peace is very essential in any developmental effort, adding that the EU places ample importance on attainment of world peace and would continually work to avoid wars.
"We strongly believe in regional integration at both economic and political levels. You know the European project is not the common market, it is not the movement of goods, no; it is peace. Primarily, the European project is peace.
"After 500 years of wars and two world wars and finally we've decided to make peace by integrating...It takes time. More than 57 years later, we are still building our union and we really wish West African states could do the same," he said.
He also recommended that the future of Kwara should be based on agriculture, while that of Nigeria be based on diversification of the economy.
Saraki, who thanked the EU for its efforts in stabilizing the nation, urged the body to support the incoming administration of Buhari to fight poverty and meet the infrastructural needs of Nigerians.
He noted that the success achieved during Nigeria's 2015 general elections was possible due to the technical support the friends of Nigeria, including the EU gave to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, "the victory of the election was not just APC victory, it was victory for all Nigerians".
Sponsored Links
Post a Comment