Members of the House of Representatives from the 17 southern states have expressed support for the four tax reform bills currently under review by the National Assembly.
The lawmakers described the bills as crucial for the country’s growth and development.
The bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. They aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax framework, enhance revenue generation, modernize tax administration, and promote transparency in the tax system, according to Independent.
The Southern Caucus in the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Nicholas Mutu (PDP, Delta), addressed a press conference in Abuja, where they stated their position on the bills. The caucus emphasized that while they recognize the potential benefits of the reforms, they believe that the bills must be further reviewed to ensure they reflect the interests of the people.
The caucus expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue about the bills to make necessary adjustments. They affirmed that the bills are beneficial for Nigeria but stressed that inclusivity and public input should be a central focus as discussions progress.
Hon. Fredrick Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa) noted that it is the responsibility of the National Assembly to carefully consider all bills, whether introduced by the executive or private members. He highlighted the importance of public participation in the legislative process and reassured that the caucus would ensure feedback from their constituencies was incorporated into the review of the bills.
The lawmakers emphasized that the ongoing discussions are not meant to create division between the North and South. Rather, the aim is to create laws that serve the entire nation’s interests. They reiterated that the National Assembly’s primary role is to make laws for national development, with inputs from all regions.
Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) assured that the bills would undergo thorough scrutiny before being passed. He acknowledged that national bills often bring competing interests but emphasized the need for compromise to find a balanced approach. He pointed to previous negotiations, such as those surrounding the 13% derivation for oil-producing states and the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), as examples of successful negotiations that benefitted the country.
The Southern Caucus reiterated that while the tax reform bills represent a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s tax system, the process of review, input, and dialogue remains essential to ensure the bills meet the country’s broader needs.
Hon. Mutu noted, “We have met and welcome the tax reform bills with so much excitement. At the right time, we’ll ensure that the people’s perspective, which is currently missing from the bills, is factored into the conversation.”
“Once a bill is received, it undergoes the established procedures and processes within the House, after which public participation is encouraged. In this instance, Mr. President has signed an executive bill,” Agbedi stated.
“The Southern Caucus is reaffirming its commitment to its official responsibility of making laws for the progress and development of the nation. We welcome the introduction of these bills and emphasize that as we process them, inputs are actively gathered from our respective states and constituencies. Some states have already received these inputs.
It is important to clarify that this is not about creating a divide between the North and South. The primary responsibility of the National Assembly is to make laws that serve the entire nation. Lawmaking is a process that begins by receiving proposals, which are then subjected to the rigorous processes of review and scrutiny.”
“At the end of the day, the proposal will undergo necessary amendments and innovations before it is passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once approved, the President will give his assent to the final version, incorporating any adjustments made. The caucus is fully committed to advancing the proposal submitted by Mr. President,” he stated.
