This paper has the cardinal objective of carrying out a survey on the genesis and development of value added tax (VAT) administration. Specifically, the study intends to examine the origin and popularity of the VAT system globally, identify its emerging issues and the related consequences. Also, it is directed at ex-raying the development of VAT and its computational analysis, particularly as it relates to Nigeria. Empirical studies indicate that VAT has gained much popularity universally, inspite of its several emerging issues. That notwithstanding, it is speculated that, in the near future, VAT is likely to be replaced with retail sales taxes both in substance and in reality; it will be managed and administered almost entirely through the use of technology and be expanded in several ways. In Nigeria, the VAT law has gone through several amendments. The latest of the amendments which led to an increase in its rate by fifty per cent generated fierce debates among several interest groups. This study finds that the recent VAT increment may end up enhancing the total revenue of Nigeria but may have some negative effect on the per capita income of the polity. This likely consequence can be averted only if necessary palliative measures are taken concurrently. The study therefore advises the Nigerian government to have a second look at the necessity and timing of the current Value Added Tax increase and take the appropriate remedial actions.

This study has the objective of identifying the challenges militating against the growth of tax-to-GDP ratiosof sub-Sahara African countries,their causes and remedies. Nigeria is used as a case studywhile the content analysis research approach is adopted.Reports from some apex international monetaryauthorities indicate that, while a typical advanced country has a tax-to-GDP ratio of around 40% , manysub-Sahara African countries maintain tax-to-GDP ratios that fall below the 15% threshold..Though the tax structures in many of thosecountries have improved in recent times, growth in their domestic revenue mobilization has been generally sluggish.Many of them persistently experience significanttax-gaps,overwhelming incerase in external debt-to-GDP ratio and budget deficits -a clear manifestationthat their tax policiesrequire serious overhauling. The paper reveals that the low-rated countries are characterized by Gulf countries while the high rated ones are dominated by European countries and that, even as one the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria is one of the sub-Sahara African countries having the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios. It suggests that, in line with best practices, thesub-Sahara African countries should put in place clear political mandates to tackle low levels of tax payment and a simpler tax system with a restricted number of rates and exemptions.