Buhari’s minister, Pantami, tells Nat’l Assembly to suspend work on tax reform bills, lists areas for review

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has urged the National Assembly to suspend further deliberations on the contentious tax reform bills to give room for wider consultations involving all relevant stakeholders.

Pantami who who served under the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari made the call on Tuesday in a post on his X handle @ProfIsaPantami, arguing that several sections of the bill makes him uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, conflict with the constitution, and have potential for regulatory abuse.

The ex-Minister noted that while the bill holds the potential for transforming tax collection administration in Nigeria, it requires significant improvements to serve the national interest effectively.

He however, highlighted that certain sections of the bill lack clear definitions which will create room for regulatory exploitation and implementation challenges.

“I’ve been preoccupied for the past week, having attended the World Halal Summit 2024 as a speaker at the invitation of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye,” Pantami wrote.

“Consequently, I couldn’t find time to read and review all the 4 bills, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024. However, over the last 40 hours, I have been reading them, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administrative Bill.

“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.

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“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.

“In light of this, I offer two pieces of advice to the National Assembly (NASS):

“i) 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; and

“ii) Allow for wider consultations on the bills, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed.

“Specifically, I recommend reviewing the following sections:

1) Section 3(3)

2) Section 7(6)

3) Section 8(2)

4) Section 23

5) Section 28

6) Sections 95, 96, 97, and 118

7) Section 141 (supremacy clause)

“I believe that tax, constitutional, and business lawyers, among others, also have a significant role to play in improving the bills. As a policy researcher, I may also commend on the remaining 3 bills later.

“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.

“May we continue to serve our country diligently and honestly, praying to Allah to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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