“Nigerian Beggars To Pay Tax” According To Minister Of Finance, Kemi Adeosun

Begging has since been the source of livelihood to some citizens in Nigeria especially in the areas of Lagos state and Abuja.There have been stories that some of these so called “fake” beggars who claim to be disabled have been caught in the act, making generous Nigerians skeptical to help them.However, most beggars especially in Lagos are actually said to make a lot of money, enough to build houses that they rent to hard working people, whose taxes are probably deducted from their meagre salaries. This predicament has caught the attention of the Minister of Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and she has reportedly said that beggars should pay tax on their income, since ‘proceeds from begging are taxable.’During a lecture she delivered at PWC’s Business School, last week, the minister had argued that some beggars were earning millions, and that government would look at their lifestyles and tax them. She said, “You are supposed to pay taxes, even if your means of income is begging. We are aware that these beggars might be making a fortune out of this but is that enough reason for them to pay taxes?” This is the question on the lips of many Nigerians!Photo Credit: Getty