Southern Reps Take Stand On Tax Reform Bills

Members of the Southern Caucus in the House of Representatives have expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, describing them as a necessary step towards improving Nigeria’s tax system.

The lawmakers made this known on Tuesday after a meeting at the residence of the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Chairman Nicholas Mutu said the southern lawmakers are committed to giving the bills the necessary support to facilitate their passage while ensuring wide consultation to address contentious issues.

The Southern Caucus acknowledged the opposition to the bills by some key northern leaders and lawmakers but emphasized their commitment to dialogue and consensus.

The tax reform bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

The bills are based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele, aimed at reviewing and updating existing tax laws.

They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will give a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

Since their transmission to the parliament by the President, the bills have been greeted with stiff opposition, particularly from the 36 state governors, who in October called for their withdrawal to allow room for more consultation.