The former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called for further review and stakeholder engagement on the Tax Reform Bill before its enactment into law.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Pantami emphasised the potential of the bill to revolutionise Nigeria’s tax administration if it is refined and implemented in alignment with national interests.
“The bill has the potential to transform tax collection administration if improved and implemented in the national interest. Nevertheless, there are critical observations that need to be addressed, including a potential conflict with the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution,” he stated.
Pantami highlighted several sections of the bill that he found troubling due to their lack of clarity and the risk of misinterpretation during implementation. He cited Section 3(3), Section 7(6), Section 8(2), Section 23, Section 28, Sections 95, 96, 97, and 118, as well as Section 141 (supremacy clause), as requiring further review.
“Several sections of the Bill make me uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, which could lead to significant challenges during implementation. Furthermore, regulatory bodies may exploit these ambiguities when developing their regulatory instruments,” Pantami explained.
He urged the National Assembly to pause deliberations on the bill to allow for broader consultations and contributions from relevant stakeholders, including tax experts, constitutional and business lawyers.
“Suspend Legislative Action for now as some of the challenges could not be addressed by the chambers alone. In leadership, the ability to change one’s mind is a sign of intelligence and empathy, not weakness. Allow for wider consultations on the bills, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed,” Pantami advised.
The former minister also stressed the need for the government to address the prevailing mistrust between it and the citizens, which he said hampers effective governance and policy implementation.
“Finally, the government must try to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, as our situation as a nation is deteriorating due to this mistrust. Citizens are largely suspicious. Building trust is crucial at this juncture for all arms and tiers of government. We must also prioritise our national interest over and above our personal interests. Issues must also be discussed objectively and critically,” Pantami added.
Pantami’s call highlights the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and national interest in shaping policies that impact the lives of Nigerians.
