The whole economy is in the market (open markets, supermarkets, supermarket, malls, etc. for goods, and services. I expected Kingley to focus on how to increase the share of made-in-Nigeria in the markets. If 80% of Nigeria’s daily needs are imported, then the pressure on the Naira continues unabated. So, the solution lies in an increased patronage of made in Nigeria. But we are in a democracy and we do not expect anyone to put a gun to our head to buy made in Nigeria. However, public expenditures could spearhead patronising made in Nigeria without infringing on any individual’s rights. Besides, it is unpatriotic for government spendings to support workers in foreign countries at the expense of Nigerian youths. To firm up the Naira in our pockets, we will need to embrace made in Nigeria and public procurement should take the lead. Let's stop chasing shadows.

Someone raised a point as a taxpayer. Those on the tax database and current with payment should be given some palliatives. This will encourage others to start paying tax in the future. The problem is that government does not want people to pay personal tax. They fear it will trigger mass demand for accountability, which will put an end to their profligacy. On the other hand, taxation lowers the cost of living as it increases the revenue base of government to provide infrastructures and services at a discount. The fear of embezzlement of taxpayers money is there but if more people pay they can be challenged. Right now they are getting away with murder because only 10 million people are on the national tax database. Out of which 4.6 million are in Lagos State. Even in Lagos State, only 400,000 paid their tax in 2019 out of the 4.6 million.

Congrats! That’s the dividend of paying tax and having a social contract with the Canadian government. Here nobody pays tax, we dodge paying tax, or under assessed and thereby we have no locus standi to challenge the glaring corruption. I, however, wish we could always reap where we did not sow particularly during this pandemic. After all there is oil and the fear that we we pay tax they will embezzles it. Why allow them to embezzle? That’s the problem to fix and not to pay tax. We need a reform of our economic system based on tax. That’s our voice; otherwise, we have no valid voice to demand accountability. The coronavirus pandemic may be a reset.