Global Tax for Essential Services; a Nigeria Perspective

In contrast to the GDP growth rate of 7% that led to the emergence of 4,800 new millionaires between 2013 and 2014 (a 44% increase), the number of Nigerians living in poverty increased by 2%. Incomes to the rich have grown by 18% with those to the poor falling by 12%. The actual GDP as at last quarter of 2016 stood at -2.24, projection for first quarter in 2017 is 1.46%. Youth unemployment (15 to 24 year olds) continues to rise and now stands at circa 50%. Women form 80% of those living below the poverty line (and form 80% of those working in the informal sector, 80% of all economic activities takes place in the informal sector), and continue to experience high levels of gender based violence and discrimination. Violence and money politics, added to a culture of patriarchy affects the political participation of women, which presently remains at a mere 6.7%, the lowest in Africa and the sub Saharan average. Essential services such as road, water, hospital, schools, electricity are in poor condition, people still die every day of malaria, illiteracy in some states in Nigeria is as high as 80%in others as low as 38%, about 2,300 under five year old and 145 women die every day due to issues related to child bearing. The security situation in Nigeria is becoming more challenging, resulting in large displacements with attendant enormous humanitarian needs. Over 2.1 million people are currently displaced in northeast Nigeria as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. Additionally 4 million people suffer from food insecurity.