FG to increase VAT on champagne, other luxury goods

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360 GP has learnt that the Federal Government are set to raise the value-added tax (VAT) on luxury times.

It is understood that it was subject to the approval of the national assembly.

The Finance minister Kemi Adeosun said the house, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, has approved to revise national tax policy so as to address low taxation.

According to reports, Nigerians pay 5% VAT, which is one of the lowest in the world.

According to Adeosun, “What the (review) committee report has shown is that we should look at actually increasing VAT on some luxury items.

At 5% we have lowest VAT. And while we don’t think VAT should be increased on basic items, if you are going to drink champagne, for instance, in the UK you drink champagne the VAT is 20%, so why should it be 5% in Nigeria.

So they have made recommendations that we should pull out some luxury items and increase VAT on those items immediately. And I think that is a very valid and sensible suggestion which we are going to take to the national assembly to see how we can implement it.

But as far as basic goods are concerned, there will be no tax increase. I believe it is only fair that when you consume luxury goods you should pay a little bit more. The National Assembly will decide the percentage.”