Tax Reform Bills: House Deputy Spokesman Highlights Shift In Opposition

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has revealed that lawmakers who initially opposed the controversial tax reform bills are now pushing for their speedy passage.

Agbese, speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, said the House is prepared to deliberate on the bills during its session on Tuesday, barring any last-minute changes.

The four executive tax reform bills have sparked significant tension, pitting 36 state governors and key stakeholders from the North against the Federal Government.

Critics, including Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, have called for the bills’ withdrawal to allow for broader consultation.

Over the weekend, Zulum urged his Northern counterparts to reject the bills, warning that their implementation could severely harm the region’s economy.

Despite initial resistance, Agbese noted a growing shift among lawmakers after thoroughly reviewing the bills.

He said, “Those initially opposed to the bills are now advocating for their speedy consideration and passage.

“When we converge next week, more supporters will have been won over but I want to add that this is not only about lawmakers. These bills are about Nigerians, from the top company executive to the farmer in a rural village. I say this because public policy affects everyone. If passed into law, these bills will rejig the economy and ensure rapid development of critical infrastructure.”

The lawmaker lauded the Federal Inland Revenue Service chairman, Zacchaeus Adedeji, for championing reforms to improve the nation’s revenue through effective tax administration.

He expressed the assurance that Nigerians would reap the benefits of the tax reforms when they fully materialised.

“Nigerians will appreciate this man very soon because when these bills are passed and the Federal Government has more money to spend, critical infrastructure will be developed. Jobs will be created and to a great extent, poverty will be reduced,” he said.