Prof Usman Yusuf, a member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, has criticized the Tinubu administration for prioritizing taxation over economic growth. He appeared on Channel TV’s live program on Sunday, stating that the government is more focused on “milking” Nigerians than addressing the country’s socioeconomic challenges.
Yusuf argued that the government’s policies have increased poverty and illiteracy rates, yet they continue to explore ways to tax citizens. He expressed concern that people have lost hope, citing the long lines for palliatives and the lack of benefits for ordinary people. He challenged the government to account for their actions, saying, “What have you done to benefit the ordinary people?”
Yusuf criticized the economic team, stating that they resemble tax collectors more than economists. He emphasized that taxation does not grow the economy, only production does. He warned against artificial measures like hiking interest rates and borrowing money, which he believes will only lead to further deception and hardship for Nigerians.
