Philip Agbese, the House of Representatives’ deputy spokesperson, revealed that members are willing to back President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills in spite of state governors’ objections.
Agbese claims that some of the governors have threatened to refuse their states’ MPs the 2027 return ticket if they support the tax measure.
He, however, said they are not bothered by such threats as they were elected to represent the people of their constituents and not to dance to the tune of the Governors as they believe that the bill is for the good of the people.
Background
Four executive laws pertaining to tax reform were sent to the National Assembly by President Tinubu in September for review.
However, in order to give the proposals additional thought and input, the Governors, acting through the National Economic Council (NEC), demanded that they be withdrawn.
The President declined to remove the laws, claiming that while they are still in front of the MPs, comments can still be made.
The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is anticipated to establish the fiscal framework for taxation in the nation; the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the nation and reduce disputes; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will establish a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman, are the bills that were forwarded in response to the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, which was chaired by Taiwo Oyedele.
He said: “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu from rebooting the economy to work for the country.
“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker Tajudeen Abass.”
“Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members a return ticket in 2027 if they support the bills.”
The lawmaker added that copies of the bills have been made available to legislators to aid their understanding ahead of the second reading, predicting that it would be passed with necessary amendments.
