- Stakeholders, including the PDP and northern lawmakers, urged for wider consultations on Nigeria's controversial tax reform bills
- Opposition grows to the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, with concerns over economic impacts and regional fairness
- The Presidency defends the tax reforms, emphasising national benefits, while critics call for transparency and more public debates
Stakeholders across Nigeria have called for more extensive consultations on the controversial tax reform bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.
This follows growing opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), northern lawmakers, and various public figures who have expressed concerns about the potential economic and social impacts of the proposed legislation.
The proposed tax reforms, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, aim to overhaul the nation’s tax system. The reforms seek to consolidate existing tax laws, establish clearer frameworks for tax administration, and create new bodies, including the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman.
The PDP, in particular, has voiced its opposition, urging the government to slow down the process to allow for more public discussion.
PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi questioned the urgency of the bills, saying the government must consider the potential consequences for ordinary Nigerians.
He pointed out that citizens are already grappling with inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and multiple tax burdens, and thus, these reforms should not be rushed.
“The government needs to realise the significant implications of this process,” Abdullahi said.
“If the elite and governors are raising concerns, it’s essential to broaden the review and involve all stakeholders.”
Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for a more inclusive approach to policymaking.
“Tax reform is a good idea, but it needs to be explained thoroughly to the public. We need more time and consultations to avoid unnecessary conflicts.”
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also called for transparency in the tax reform process, emphasising that robust public hearings are essential for building trust.
He stated, “Such reforms must be subject to a proper public debate. This is how we ensure that policies are inclusive and in the best interests of all Nigerians.”
Presidency defends tax bills
In response to the growing opposition, the Presidency has sought to address concerns regarding the perceived regional bias of the tax reform proposals. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement on Monday rejecting claims that the bills would favour Lagos and Rivers states over the North.
Onanuga clarified that the bills would not lead to the scrapping of agencies like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the National Agency for Science and Technology Infrastructure (NASENI), as some critics have suggested. He also stressed that the reforms aim to improve Nigeria’s overall economic prosperity, particularly for the disadvantaged.
“The tax reform bills will not impoverish any part of the country,” Onanuga said.
“Their primary aim is to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged.”
Despite these reassurances, some lawmakers, including former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume, have called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for more consultations.
Tax Reform Bills: Afenifere endorses TInubu’s decision
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that Afenifere, a popular pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has officially expressed its support for the proposed tax reform bills in Nigeria.
The group sees the reforms as a crucial step toward boosting Nigeria's economic growth, particularly in the areas of revenue generation, infrastructure funding, and public service delivery.
