By Gabriella Ogbu

The Ekiti State caucus in the National Assembly has called for widespread support from stakeholders, including state governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, and citizens, for the tax reform bills currently under consideration by the federal legislature.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti, the caucus, comprising nine All Progressives Congress lawmakers from Ekiti State—Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu, and Cyril Fasuyi, alongside Representatives Olufemi Bamisile, Olusola Steve Fatoba, Biodun Omoleye, Rufus Ojuawo, Akinlayo Kolawole, and Akin Rotimi—praised the proposed reforms as a bold initiative by President Bola Tinubu to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

The lawmakers emphasized that the reforms prioritize economic growth, inclusivity, and national prosperity.

The statement highlighted the importance of the tax reform bills, describing their successful passage as critical not only for the Tinubu administration but also for Nigeria’s future.

The proposed legislation includes the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, all aimed at modernizing the country’s fiscal policies and infrastructure.

According to the lawmakers, the reforms seek to strengthen Nigeria’s revenue generation capacity, enabling sustainable funding for critical sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

They also noted that the reforms would simplify the tax system, encourage local entrepreneurship, attract investment, and create jobs, thereby spurring economic growth at both the state and national levels.

The caucus further emphasized the establishment of key oversight bodies such as the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, which are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness in tax administration.

These provisions are expected to safeguard taxpayers’ rights while fostering public trust in the system.

The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to economic development and improving the welfare of Nigerians, stating: “As representatives of Ekiti State, we fully support initiatives that drive national development and improve the quality of life for our people.

These reforms symbolize our shared dedication to a stronger, more prosperous future.”

They also expressed their active involvement in consultations within the National Assembly and with stakeholders in Ekiti State, including Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

The lawmakers concluded by stressing that the proposed reforms are essential steps toward improving the quality of life for Nigerians, particularly at the state level, and reaffirmed their determination to ensure the passage of the bills in both chambers of the National Assembly.

They called on all Nigerians to support the reforms as a vital step toward national development.

By Gabriella Ogbu

On Monday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other stakeholders emphasized the need for broader consultations among relevant parties to address concerns over the tax bills currently before the National Assembly.

PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, questioned the urgency with which President Bola Tinubu is pushing for the passage of these bills.

For over two weeks, the proposed tax reforms have sparked widespread debate, particularly among northern lawmakers who have expressed strong opposition.

After receiving approval from the Federal Executive Council in October, President Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

The Federal Government claims these reforms aim to modernize the nation’s tax system by consolidating existing laws, improving administrative frameworks, and establishing bodies like the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman.

In an interview, Abdullahi highlighted the significant implications of these reforms and emphasized the need to prioritize the collective interest of citizens.

He stated, “My position aligns with the majority of Nigerians. If even governors and other elite members of society are apprehensive, it indicates the need for a broader review of these proposals.

The government must understand the far-reaching consequences of these reforms and ensure that governors, who are well-placed to assess the implications, are actively involved.”

Abdullahi also questioned why the government is prioritizing these bills amidst the country’s current economic struggles.

He added, “This should not be the focus right now. Nigerians are grappling with severe economic challenges, including inflation, the floating of the naira, subsidy removal, and numerous taxes introduced over the past year.

Rushing these reforms does not serve the nation’s best interest. If there are no ulterior motives, why the haste? Nigerians need more time to thoroughly review these decisions and evaluate their impact.

Genuine reforms that serve the public good will naturally gain acceptance. However, the speed at which this government is pushing the process raises questions about its intentions.”

Osadolor also acknowledged the potential benefits of tax reform but urged the Federal Government to slow down the process to ensure inclusivity and public buy-in.

He remarked, “Tax reform is a positive step, but democracy requires everyone’s participation, not a dictatorial approach. If there is strong public demand for more clarity and understanding, there is no reason to rush. Even in the past, without these reforms, the country managed to move forward.”

He emphasized that a short delay to allow for consultations and public engagement would not harm the reform process but could help prevent unnecessary friction.

“Waiting a few weeks or even months to explain these proposals and gather feedback would not derail the process. Proper communication and collaboration are essential to avoid unnecessary conflict. While the idea of reform is welcome, there are clauses that people find troubling. Greater consultation, public hearings, and engagement with the states could have mitigated much of the current tension and backlash,” Osadolor concluded.

The stakeholders called on the government to adopt a more deliberative and inclusive approach, ensuring that the proposed reforms are well-understood, broadly accepted, and in the best interest of Nigerians.

By Adenike Lawal

On December 3, 2024, thousands of youths from Nigeria’s 19 northern states rallied at the National Assembly in Abuja, showing support for Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate and APC representative from Kano North.

The rally comes amid growing controversy surrounding the Senate’s handling of proposed Tax Reform Bills.

The demonstration, organized by Comrade Tijjani Kabiru Mohammed, a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), was aimed at expressing solidarity with Senator Barau, whose leadership has been questioned due to the ongoing debates around tax reforms.

As lawmakers continue to debate the proposed changes, critics have raised concerns about the reform process, triggering rallies like this one in defense of the senator’s position.

At the event, Senator Barau was celebrated by attendees who affectionately referred to him as the “Sardauna of our era,” a title reflecting their respect for his leadership.

Participants displayed placards with messages like “Senator Barau: The pro-masses lawmaker” and “Stop attacking Senator Barau,” underscoring their commitment to shielding him from criticism they perceive as unfair.

While the rally focused on supporting Barau, it also highlighted the ongoing public discourse surrounding Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Senator Barau has advocated for the inclusion of experts in the legislative process, calling on figures like Taiwo Oyedele, chair of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, to engage with lawmakers and the public in order to clarify the details and implications of the reforms.

Comrade Mohammed clarified that Senator Barau neither fully opposes nor supports the tax reform bills. Rather, he stresses the importance of public education and awareness to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the proposed changes.

The rally also served as a reminder of Barau’s previous contributions to the region, such as his sponsorship of the North West Development Commission Bill.

The event underscored the importance of youth involvement in Nigeria’s legislative processes. As debates around tax reform continue, rallies like this one highlight the growing influence of young people in shaping the nation’s political landscape.