Parliamentary group urges speedy passage of tax reform bills

The Parliamentary Monitoring Group, PMG, a pro-democracy organisation, has called for the swift passage of the proposed tax reform bills, assuring Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intentions align with national progress and economic recovery.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Adebayor Lion Ogorry, President of PMG, urged both chambers of the National Assembly to prioritise the bills, describing them as critical to addressing the country’s economic challenges.

President Tinubu recently introduced four executive bills—the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—based on recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform inaugurated in August 2023.

The bills aim to restructure Nigeria’s taxation framework by harmonising federal, state, and local tax authorities to eliminate inefficiencies, overlaps, and confusion.

However, the proposals have faced criticism, with some stakeholders labelling them “anti-north.”

Additionally, the National Executive Council, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and composed of Nigeria’s 36 state governors, has advised the president to reconsider the bills.

Reacting to the opposition, Dr Ogorry stated: “The President must not be distracted in his quest to liberate Nigerians from economic hardships. Members of the National Assembly should consider these bills as their contribution to revamping the nation’s economy. Accelerating their passage is a matter of urgent national importance.”

PMG attributed some of the resistance to the bills to individuals benefiting from the existing flawed tax system. According to the group, the reforms would transfer tax collection functions from agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission to a new National Revenue Service.

Other changes include renaming and restructuring the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Joint Tax Board.

The group emphasised the bills’ potential to alleviate economic burdens, particularly for low-income earners.

Dr Ogorry commended President Tinubu’s resolve, adding: “These reforms have the potential to reposition Nigeria among economically viable nations. Anyone opposing these bills is an enemy of Nigeria’s progress.”

Parliamentary group urges speedy passage of tax reform bills