LCCI reacts as Buhari assents to finance bill

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended the federal government on some of the expected positive impacts of the finance bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Its Director-General, Mr Muda Yusuf made the commendation in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday signed the 2019 finance bill into law.

The new law is targeted at reforming the Nigerian tax system to align with world best practices and supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through the ease of doing business initiative.

It is also expected to improve revenue for the government as well as incentivise investments in infrastructure and capital markets.

Yusuf said that a number of favourable provisions for small businesses were reflected in the finance bill, now signed into law.

He said that the impact on government revenue would be positive, especially for states and local governments, as their fiscal position would be enhanced.

He, however, expressed concern on the impact the Value Added Tax (VAT) increment would have on businesses and end users from the cost pressure perspective, due to the high cost in operating environment.

Yusuf also expressed concern over the provision on minimum tax, saying that it was inappropriate to compel loss-making firms to pay tax, no matter how little.

This, the Director-General explained, amounted to erosion of capital for such businesses.

“The finance bill has a number of favourable provisions for small businesses and this is an aspect to commend.

“However, the VAT increment would impact adversely on businesses from cost pressures perspective.

“Margins would be affected, depending on the extent to which additional costs could be passed to consumers.

“We worry that we are operating in a high cost environment and also have the worry about the provision on minimum tax which we had argued against this provision.

“It is inappropriate to compel loss-making firms to pay tax, no matter how little. This amounts to erosion of capital,” he said.