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Writer's pictureGerminal G. Van

The Nigerian government sets new tax-incentives to attract foreign investments


The federal government of Nigeria is planning to attract foreign investments with tax incentives in order to revitalize the economy. The Nigerian government has announced that it will be introducing new measures to boost incentives for foreign investors, including eliminating double taxation; allowing speedy remittances of foreign money; providing tax holidays for companies investing in key sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining; offering reduced tax rates for companies located in rural areas; and establishing export processing zones (EPZs) and free trade zones (FTZs) where companies can operate free of taxes and foreign exchange restrictions.

Indeed, tax incentives are a powerful fiscal instrument to incentivize economic growth, especially from foreign investments. First, they reduce the cost of doing business. Tax breaks, tax holidays, and other tax incentives can make it more profitable for foreign companies to invest in a particular country.

Second, they signal that the government is encouraging foreign investment and promoting market-oriented policies. By offering tax incentives, the government is sending a message to foreign investors that they are welcome and that it is committed to creating a favorable business environment.

Third, they can help to offset other costs associated with foreign investment. Foreign companies may face a number of additional costs when investing in a new country, such as transportation costs, training costs, and the cost of complying with new regulations. Tax incentives can help to offset these costs, making foreign investment more attractive.

Since assuming office in May, President Bola Tinubu has initiated reforms to rejuvenate Africa’s largest economy, which had been in a state of decline for almost a decade. These measures are aimed at making Nigeria a more attractive destination for foreign investment. Nigeria is Africa's largest economy, but it has struggled to attract foreign investment in recent years due to a number of factors, including a complex tax regime, infrastructure challenges, and security concerns.

The Nigerian government believes that by offering more attractive tax incentives, it can encourage foreign investors to set up businesses in Nigeria and create jobs. According to Bloomberg, Nigeria has undertaken a review of its bilateral agreements with various countries to attract investments. This would help to boost the economy and improve the lives of Nigerians.

Tax incentives are only effective in attracting foreign investment if they are well-designed and implemented. Tax incentives should be targeted at sectors of the economy that are considered to be priorities for the government. They should also be easy to understand and apply for, and they should be transparent and non-discriminatory.

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