Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on lawmakers to prioritize equity and inclusivity in their discussions regarding President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills. He highlighted that Nigerians are collectively advocating for reforms that do not worsen the country’s existing disparities in development.
This statement was shared with africa24hrs via a post on his official X account on Sunday.
The four tax reform bills successfully passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and have been sent to the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa from Niger East, for further legislative consideration, which will include a public hearing.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has also instructed the committee to engage the National Economic Council (NEC), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Civil Society Organizations during the public hearing. The bills include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.584; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 – SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
Some Nigerians have expressed criticism of the bills, arguing that they disproportionately benefit certain regions over others.
In contrast, supporters contend that many of the critics have not thoroughly examined the bills’ content and are merely echoing misinformation propagated by misinformed interest groups.
In a statement on X, Atiku refrained from taking a definitive stance on the bills, instead urging lawmakers to adhere to proper procedures. “I have been closely monitoring the vigorous public debate surrounding the Tax Reform Bills,” he stated.
“Nigerians are united in their demand for a fiscal framework that embodies justice, fairness, and equity. They clearly assert that the fiscal system we aim to establish should not worsen the disparities among the federating units by favoring a select few states while unfairly penalizing others.” The National Assembly, comprising both the Senate and the House of Representatives, has established rules that allow for public hearings.
Atiku emphasized the necessity for the public hearing on the tax reform bills to promote a transparent and inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.
“I urge for impartiality and clarity in the execution of the public hearing organized by our representatives in the National Assembly. As a concerned stakeholder, I strongly believe that transparency and impartiality are vital for fostering accountability, effective governance, and public confidence in the policy-making process.
“The public hearing should encourage open and inclusive engagement from all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts,” he stated.
He also called on the National Assembly to disseminate the resolutions made by the National Economic Council regarding the bills. “In this regard, I urge the NASS to revisit and publicly share the resolutions of the National Economic Council, which is a key stakeholder and an essential body with the constitutional authority to advise the President on the economic matters of the Federation.
“The NASS must be properly guided to ensure that, ultimately, the provisions of the Bills reflect the interests of the majority of Nigerians.” While the bills have successfully passed a second reading in the Senate and have been forwarded to the relevant committee, they have not yet undergone a second reading in the House of Representatives.
Godswill Akpabio the President of the Senate Federal Republic of Nigeria.
