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.