₦airaland Forum

EasternActivist:
Op they know this, they just want to gaslight the southeast.

Upon all their high vat collected and generated it's expected that ibadan should purge it self of brown roofs retardation unlike what Is obtained in southeast.

helinues:
They can never ever take responsibility. Just because the records indicated that a particular region VAT collection is the lowest, they ha e resorted to blaming game, goal post shifting.

A state with low VAT collection means that state is unproductive

These are the same people who claimed foreign investment is bullshit, now that the VAT collection have exposed their unproductivity, they want to be coming up with as usual flimsy excuse

GBTYO:
Your SE only comes alive for 2 weeks every year during the Christmas holidays.

The low vat earnings from the SE expose low consumption levels and a lack of commercial activities.

Low tax earnings is because there is hardly any real formal sector . Your business model is petty trade that falls under the disorganised and grey sector of the economy.

Solodu has been bemoaning his inability to effectively tax businesses in his state and even declared that majority of what the state gets as revenue is from the federal purse and if he had to share to every man, woman and child in Anambra as it comes every month, it won't amount to more than #1,500 per head.

Real development is driven by taxes that are generated from a healthy commercial and economic base.

You have none of this and that's why even the north you were labelling parasites generate more from their own economic activities than your entire region.


There's nothing in the SE and your net negative migration proves this

ariesbull:
How can a person be this daft and shallow at the same time....what sort of education is this ?


"Low VAT Doesn't Mean Unproductive Region" highlights a critical perspective in economic discussions. The Value-Added Tax (VAT) a region generates often reflects its consumption patterns rather than its production capacity. For example, a region producing raw materials or manufacturing goods might contribute significantly to national productivity, even if it generates less VAT compared to regions dominated by consumption-heavy industries like retail or hospitality.

In many cases, regions with low VAT collections are hubs of agriculture, mining, or manufacturing. These activities might not attract high VAT rates but are vital for a nation's economic foundation. Judging a region's economic contribution solely on VAT could, therefore, be misleading and undermine the broader picture of its role in national development.

A more balanced evaluation would involve analyzing the region's overall economic output, workforce productivity, and strategic contributions to the country's GDP.

helinues:
Go and ask for refunds from your teachers and lecturers. They scammed you all through.

Unproductive state will definitely generate low VAT. That should be logical

ariesbull:
Why VAT and Taxes Don’t Define Development: Lessons from Igbo States and the Global Scene




When it comes to development, many people think high taxes or Value Added Tax (VAT) automatically lead to progress. But if we look closely, the reality is quite different. Development depends more on things like good governance, wise use of resources, investment in infrastructure, and creating opportunities for people, rather than just the amount of tax collected. Let’s take a look at examples of tax havens versus over-taxed countries, and then bring it home to Nigeria, especially the Igbo-dominated Southeast, to understand why they are developing quickly despite low taxation.


Tax Havens: Building Wealth Without Heavy Taxes

Some countries around the world have found ways to grow their economies without putting heavy tax burdens on their people. These places, known as tax havens, focus on attracting businesses, tourists, and investors by creating friendly policies and making smart use of resources.

Dubai (UAE): Dubai doesn’t bother its citizens with heavy taxes. Instead, it focuses on using oil revenue wisely and investing in tourism, trade, and world-class infrastructure. This has turned it into a global hub for business and luxury.

Singapore: Singapore also has low taxes, but it pairs this with excellent governance. The government supports businesses, invests in education, and ensures its trade policies remain competitive. This has made Singapore one of the most developed economies in the world, despite its small size.


Over-Taxed Countries: When Taxes Become a Burden

On the other hand, there are countries where taxes are very high. These taxes are often used to provide services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. While this can lead to a high standard of living, it sometimes comes at a cost to economic growth.

France: France is a good example. Although it has excellent public services, high taxes have made it difficult for some businesses to thrive. Many wealthy individuals and companies relocate to countries with lower tax rates to avoid these burdens.

Sweden: Sweden also has high taxes, but it balances this with a strong welfare system. However, this model only works when there’s efficient governance and proper management of public funds.


The Igbo States: A Model for Growth Without Heavy Taxation

Now, let’s bring it back home to Nigeria. The Southeast, dominated by the Igbo people, is growing and developing quickly, even though the tax system there is not as aggressive as in other parts of the country. How is this happening?

1. The Igbo Hustle Spirit:
Igbos are naturally entrepreneurial. They don’t wait for the government to provide jobs or opportunities; they create their own. This spirit of hard work and innovation has made the Southeast one of the most economically active regions in Nigeria.


2. Informal Economy:
Many businesses in Igbo land operate in the informal sector. They don’t have to deal with too many taxes or regulations, which allows them to reinvest their profits directly into growing their businesses.


3. Diaspora Remittances:
The Igbo diaspora plays a huge role in the development of the Southeast. People living abroad send money back home to support families, build houses, and start businesses. These remittances often go straight into the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities.


4. Community Spirit:
Igbos have a strong tradition of self-help. Through town unions and community associations, they come together to build roads, schools, and health centers. This reduces dependence on government funds and accelerates development.


5. Diversified Economy:
Unlike some parts of Nigeria that rely heavily on oil revenue, the Southeast has a diversified economy. From trade and manufacturing to agriculture and services, there are multiple sources of income that keep the region’s economy growing.





The Nigerian Tax Problem

In many parts of Nigeria, governments rely heavily on taxation and federal allocations. However, the issue is not just about collecting taxes—it’s about how the money is used. Corruption, inefficiency, and poor governance often mean that tax revenue doesn’t translate into visible development.

Over-taxation, especially when paired with poor service delivery, discourages businesses and pushes people to find ways to avoid taxes. This can create a vicious cycle where both the government and the people lose out.


What We Can Learn

The key lesson here is that development isn’t about how much tax a government collects; it’s about how well those resources are managed. Countries like Singapore and regions like the Southeast of Nigeria show that with good leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and community-driven initiatives, it’s possible to achieve rapid development without over-taxing the people.

The Igbo states are a shining example of what’s possible when people take charge of their own destiny. Their success proves that self-help, hard work, and innovation can drive development faster than any tax system ever could.



Mathew Ojo

GBTYO:
Those villages are more sustainable to their resident fishermen than your entire SE as the people have a guaranteed and sustainable income from fishing.

This is why most other Nigerians do not see reason to flee their enclaves . Wealth is within their grasp.

And how do you measure development ? Is it by building mansions in one dead village in your SE that you only visit once or twice a year to attend a cultural event?

The fishing canoe in a typical Ijaw riverine coastal village earns revenue for the owner than your lizard and rat occupied village mansions.

If the SE is truly an engine room of commerce and trade , why are you lot not reinvesting back into it? How many times has there been a SE business forum that has been convened by your elite to call for investing into the SE and how come you guys never heed the call to do so?

Just looking at internal migration trend , you will see that the SE has been experiencing a net negative trend since the day Lugard yoked us all into one contraption compared to every other region.

There's a reason you guys left your villages, states and region.

ariesbull:
It's so unfortunate that I will descend this low to engage you



VAT (Value Added Tax) is closely tied to consumption, not productivity.

This is because VAT is applied to goods and services at every stage of their journey—from production to the final sale—but the ultimate responsibility for paying it lies with the end consumer. It’s essentially a tax on what people buy, not on how much businesses or individuals produce.

While businesses play a role in collecting VAT, they’re not directly taxed on their productivity. Instead, they offset the VAT they’ve paid on their inputs (raw materials or services) against the VAT they collect on sales. This ensures that only the added value is taxed, making it fair and focused on consumption rather than production.

In simple terms, VAT is all about what we use and consume, not about how much we create.

ariesbull:
The economic dynamics of South Eastern Nigeria and South Western Nigeria differ significantly due to historical, cultural, and structural factors. Here’s why the South East is thriving economically, while the South West has a higher dependency on Lagos:

1. Entrepreneurial Culture in the South East

The South East is renowned for its strong entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among the Igbo people. The apprenticeship system (Igba-Boi) fosters entrepreneurship by equipping young people with business skills and capital to start their ventures.

Economic activities are decentralized across cities like Aba, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Enugu, making them hubs for manufacturing, trade, and innovation.


2. Decentralized Economic Hubs

Unlike the South West, where Lagos dominates as the primary economic hub, the South East has multiple thriving commercial centers. Aba is famous for textiles and leatherworks, Nnewi for auto parts manufacturing, and Onitsha for its massive market activities. This decentralization reduces dependency on one city and creates a robust regional economy.


3. Focus on SME Development

The South East has a high concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of its economy. These businesses are resilient and adapt quickly to changing market conditions, creating a self-reliant economic model.


4. Industrialization and Manufacturing

Cities like Nnewi have developed strong industrial bases. For example, Nnewi is referred to as the "Japan of Africa" due to its thriving manufacturing sector, producing everything from motorbike parts to household appliances.


5. Strong Community Support Systems

The South East has a tradition of communal investments and pooling resources through cooperatives and town unions. These structures often finance infrastructure and business projects, driving local development.


6. Dependence on Lagos in the South West

In contrast, Lagos serves as the economic epicenter of the South West, attracting investments, infrastructure, and population from neighboring states. This concentration has led to economic dependency, where states like Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo rely heavily on Lagos for economic spillovers and opportunities.

The dependency on Lagos also results in overpopulation and strain on infrastructure, making it harder for other South Western states to develop independently.


7. Diverse Sources of Economic Growth

The South East is less reliant on government allocations and oil revenues compared to the South West. The region focuses on trade, manufacturing, and exports, ensuring a more diverse and sustainable economic base.


8. Government and Policy Factors

While Lagos benefits from policies that attract foreign and local investments, the surrounding South West states have not fully capitalized on this. In contrast, South Eastern states have made deliberate efforts to create business-friendly environments, even with limited government support.


Conclusion

The South East thrives because of its decentralized, self-reliant economic model, driven by entrepreneurship and manufacturing. The South West, while dynamic, faces challenges due to over-dependence on Lagos, limiting the economic potential of other states in the region. For balanced growth, the South West needs to diversify its economic hubs beyond Lagos and invest in regional industries and SMEs.

Ofemannnu:
Igbos are naturally entrepreneurial. They don’t wait for the government to provide jobs or opportunities; they create their own. This spirit of hard work and innovation has made the Southeast one of the most economically active regions in Nigeria.

---

The lazy ones will always have excuses for their laziness.

Continue to deceive yourself.
Everybody has seen the most entrepreneurial.
There had never been anytime Igbos have been more entrepreneurial than the Sweeteners in the history of Nigeria.

ariesbull:
The last time I checked can you name your village let's see how suitable it is in their mud houses and no toilets

GBTYO:
Hogwash.

The reason for whatever economic progress your people record isn't from the SE economic ecosystem.

It boils down to you guys migrating to other regions to setup shop and we know now that most of your business models are floated with illicit funds generated from illicit activities.

You can't tax illicit funds after all.

And to let you know also, your import based rackets are the major dearth to our once thriving local industries and has been a major drain on our FX pool.

You are a net negative.

The only thing FG gains from you is probably diaspora earnings and most of which is from illicit activities .

By the way, stop using Chatgpt .

ariesbull:
The last time I checked can you name your village let's see how suitable it is in their mud houses and no toilets

Ofemannnu:
Kolapo Ishola in Ibadan.

Are you ready to compare videos with your 10 houses village?

ariesbull:
Then migrate your own and do repatriation! Excuses excuses and excuses ...are you amputated or lame that you can't migrate ?



Igbo people and their region thrive despite the economic challenges in Nigeria for several key reasons:

1. Resilience and Adaptability: Igbo people are known for their resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges—whether economic, political, or social—they have always found ways to adapt and thrive. This resilience is deeply embedded in their culture and mindset. They are resourceful, entrepreneurial, and always look for opportunities to grow, no matter the external circumstances.


2. Strong Entrepreneurial Spirit: One of the standout features of the Igbo people is their innate business acumen. Many Igbo individuals are natural entrepreneurs, and this has helped them excel in various sectors, from small businesses to large enterprises. Even in the face of an uncertain economy, they continue to invest, innovate, and diversify their sources of income, which provides them with a steady stream of wealth.


3. Community Support and Unity: The Igbo culture emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support. Family members, friends, and fellow Igbo people often come together to help one another, whether it’s through business ventures, financial support, or sharing resources. This communal support helps individuals weather tough economic times and thrive collectively. Igbo people also rely on networks, which makes it easier to navigate challenges together.


4. Diaspora Influence and Remittances: The Igbo diaspora is one of the most significant drivers of economic prosperity in the region. Millions of Igbo people living abroad send money back home regularly, which not only supports families but also fuels local businesses and investments. These remittances help to stabilize the region's economy, especially in times of national economic instability.


5. Focus on Education and Skills Development: Education is highly valued in Igbo culture. Many Igbo families prioritize educating their children, which equips them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in various fields. With a well-educated workforce, the Igbo people are able to adapt to changing economic conditions, pursue professional careers, and contribute to the growth of industries in the region.


6. Diversification and Innovation: Igbo people do not put all their eggs in one basket. They diversify their investments across various sectors, such as agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and trade. This diversification protects them from economic downturns in any one industry. Additionally, Igbo entrepreneurs are known for being innovative, often creating new solutions to challenges they face, which gives them a competitive edge.


7. Cultural Emphasis on Hard Work: Hard work is a core value among Igbo people. From a young age, they are taught to be diligent, persistent, and industrious. This strong work ethic has played a major role in their ability to succeed, even in tough economic times. Whether in small businesses or larger enterprises, the commitment to hard work is a driving force behind their success.



In essence, Igbo people thrive despite the economic challenges in Nigeria because of their resilience, strong entrepreneurial spirit, community support, the financial influence of the diaspora, emphasis on education, diversification, and a cultural focus on hard work. These factors come together to create a dynamic and thriving region, even in the face of adversity.

Go and tax yourself abeg ...let's share the money

Ofemannnu:
Kolapo Ishola in Ibadan.

Are you ready to compare videos with your 10 houses village?

GBTYO:
This is why I support your Biafra agitation with the caveat that it should be limited to your SE state

Let's see if you will claim ECOWAS free migration to remain in Nigeria .

GBTYO:
How many Nigerians are crossing the Niger Bridge towards your side?


Go to ordinary Lokoja and see how wealth is just waiting for anyone with a fishing net to cast into the river Niger .

The average fisherman in Lokoja will quietly build his house and take care of his family unlike his counterpart from your SE who needs to go to Lagos to start life hawking gala.

Rather than see that Nigeria offers you the opportunity to thrive and has been spoonfeeding you ever since ,you are here castigating and biting the hands that feed you.

Just 3ys without being in Nigeria and you started dropping dead like flies.


Be very careful of what you wish for.

ariesbull:
Let the Nigerians pay the VAT let's do the sharing ...

ariesbull:
No Igbo will support Biafra agitation ..it's the misguided elements.... They went one Nigeria! They enjoy the VAT and taxing system and with North also in line with this taxing system , Nigeria will be better

ariesbull:
Even at that ...look at how your GRA look like! Is it that you guys can't even put a decent roofing sheets?

The General Gas Junction-Kolapo Ishola GRA-Iyana Church

helinues:
Stop being petty and engage others maturely

GBTYO:
Good.

So you are against taxation but want others to be taxed to sustain you .

Next time , I hear from your dirty mouths complaining about alcohol vat and taxes going to the Sharia north , I will point out your stinking hypocrisy.

GBTYO:
It's good that I am hearing this directly from you guys after years here detailing how you guys in the SE are no different in anyways from the Fulani north.


You are the enemies of the better South.

Now go and play your usual Judas role.

ariesbull:
but was bragging with the so called GRA

GBTYO:
It's good that I am hearing this directly from you guys after years here detailing how you guys in the SE are no different in anyways from the Fulani north.


You are the enemies of the better South.

Now go and play your usual Judas role.

History555:
Cry cry wailers. You are close to shedding tears and ripping off your cloth. Once again our motto in the se is you pay tax, we share your tax.

helinues:
GRA worth something to be bragged about than houses in the villages which almost half of the owners are languishing in different prisons across the globe.

GRA is well planned and developed not like the way you guys build house with no future planning

ariesbull:
The Igbo aren't interested in separation again unless you want to vote then out the way Malaysia voted Singapore out

christopher123:
And wait till Imo, Delta, Rivers , Abia come up with excuses not to allow their natural gas flow to Egbin and other power station and review their oil in pipelines

Standing5:
What comes from Abia, Imo and Anambra combined is less than what Ondo alone contribute. Fact.

History555:
You are wasting your time with that Jewish homicidal maniac. The source of is anger is how isreal is dealing with hamas and hezebollah. Since he is helpless and can't do shit about it, he transfers aggression to lgbos. He is same loafer as
Apcharam
Igbosmustdie
Godhateslgbo
Godhatesjews
Chiefjusfuc
Hilterwasright
Telavivbomber
Fuckosulgbos
Magic bishop
Nuclearwinter
Donperigon
AntiZikist
Nomecurie