Expert Cautions FG On Capital Gains Tax

A finance expert and Chairman, ET Finance and Investment Limited, Gboyega Adebanjo, has advised the Federal Government to exercise caution and reconsider the reintroduction of capital gains tax to capital markets, securities and instruments.
Adebanjo, who was reacting to the Finance Act of 2021, and the Capital gains tax, while interacting with Airport correspondents at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Monday, noted that government ought to reconsider any finance policy that will negativity impact investment.
He said while the measure may enhance the revenue of government on the short run, its impact on discouraging capital investment, venture capital and entrepreneurial moves should be considered in arriving at an optimal policy.
According to him, whatever was eventually collectible should be directed at enhancing infrastructure in the capital market for future growth of the market and the economy.
While acknowledging the fact that there were arguments for and against payments of taxes on gains arising from disposal of shares and other capital market instruments, the investment mogul noted that the major objective of any financial policy should be to promote economic growth.
”The ultimate objectives should be fiscal policies that promotes economic growth in the medium to long term, and such that will enhance and encourage investment.
“In my own view, the best option now is for the suspension of the reintroduction of the capital gain tax.The market is still not out of the woods”, he said.
The financial and Investment expert however, agreed that investment in agriculture would facilitate the nation’s diversification exercise, job creation and socio-economic development.
He also said exploring agricultural sector and the capital market will serve as drivers of employment and economic growth in order to restore Nigeria on the path of double-digit growth in Gross Domestic Product.