Veteran Yusuf Abdi Gaboobe has underscored the importance of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing taxation as the backbone of effective governance and a vital source of funding for essential public services.
Speaking on the role of taxation in state-building, Gaboobe said the GST on sales is a widely used system across neighboring countries and provides a transparent way of determining how much each citizen contributes to government revenue.
“The GST on sales is a tax that is already paid in neighboring countries. It is the most effective way to determine what each citizen contributes, enabling them to hold the government accountable for the services it provides,” Gaboobe said.
He stressed that tax revenue is critical for financing public services such as healthcare, education, road infrastructure, and national security, arguing that sustainable development depends on a functioning tax system.
Gaboobe also highlighted the relationship between taxation and public accountability, saying citizens who contribute to government revenue are better positioned to demand quality public services.
“If you do not pay taxes, on what basis can you hold the government accountable?” he asked.
Addressing public trust in government, Gaboobe emphasized that authorities have a responsibility to ensure transparency in the management of public funds. He said governments must clearly communicate how taxpayers’ money is spent to strengthen confidence and improve accountability.
“It is the government’s duty to openly and transparently inform the public about how the taxes they pay are being used,” he concluded.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about tax reforms and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), with supporters arguing that a transparent tax system can strengthen governance, improve public service delivery, and reinforce accountability between citizens and the state.