Lawmakers from the Southern region of Nigeria, spanning across various political parties, have expressed their support for the Executive Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. The lawmakers, led by Nichola Mutu, the leader of the Southern Caucus in the House of Representatives, emphasized their readiness to engage in discussions with colleagues who have reservations about the bills. They highlighted the importance of revitalizing Nigeria’s tax laws to boost the economy.
Mutu, alongside fellow lawmakers Fred Agbedi, Babajimi Benson, and Pascal Agbodike, spoke at a press conference, stating that the Southern Caucus welcomes the bills and is committed to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure the reforms meet the needs of the people. Mutu further emphasized that the lawmakers have a constitutional duty to engage in the lawmaking process and should not shy away from their responsibilities.
While the bills have passed their first and second readings in the Senate, they are currently on hold in the House of Representatives due to disruptions during a previous reading. The bills have sparked debates, with some members expressing concerns, but the Southern Caucus believes these discussions are healthy and essential for improving the proposed reforms. Agbedi underscored that the National Assembly’s role is to carefully review and amend the bills, ensuring they align with the country’s best interests before they are passed into law.
Benson noted that the National Assembly’s role, as outlined in Section 4 of the Constitution, is to legislate for the good governance of Nigeria, and while no bill is universally accepted, negotiation and collaboration are key to reaching a consensus. He drew parallels with the prolonged discussions over the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which ultimately benefited from thorough negotiation and amendments.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris supported the ongoing debates surrounding the tax reform, arguing that such discussions are vital for refining government policies. Idris reassured the public that the tax reforms are designed to promote equitable growth across the country and are not intended to disadvantage any region. He encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the discussions to ensure that the reforms are in the best interest of the people.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, affirmed that the proposed tax reforms would contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and promote a fairer distribution of resources among the states. Muruako emphasized that the bills are designed to benefit all Nigerians, especially low-income earners and small businesses, further underscoring the inclusive nature of the reforms.
As the debate continues, lawmakers remain committed to ensuring that the final tax reforms will be beneficial for Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.
Gathered by: Onoro Promise Edesiri