Reps Finalize Decisions on Controversial Tax Reform Bills Amid Public Debate

The House of Representatives has expressed readiness to engage tax experts to brief it on the implications of the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly for consideration.

The Deputy Spokesman of the House, Mr Philip Agbese, in an exclusive interview with a popular Newspaper in Abuja, expressed the readiness of the House to interface with Nigerians on the issue in town hall engagements.

The Federal Executive Council recently introduced four executive bills aimed at streamlining the tax processes, establishing a unified revenue service, and simplifying financial obligations for businesses and citizens.

The reforms resulted from a months-long review of existing tax laws by the Taiwo Oyedele-led committee inaugurated in August 2023.

The committee’s recommendations were harmonised into four executive bills, which were transmitted to the National Assembly in September 2024.

Last week, the 36 state governors called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow room for more consultations.

This was sequel to the earlier position by 19 northern state governors who rejected the bill on the ground that it was against the interest of the North and the state governments.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues after the 144th National Economic Council’s meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had said the council members agreed that the bills be withdrawn as some sections of the country were uncomfortable with some of its contents.

Makinde said “Today, NEC took a presentation from the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

“After extensive deliberation, NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment between and amongst the stakeholders for the proposed reforms.

“Council, therefore, recommends the need to withdraw the bill currently before the National Assembly on tax reforms so that we can have wider consultations and also build consensus around these reforms for the benefit of the entire country.”

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