Tinubu directs justice ministry to work with NASS on concerns over tax bills

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Justice to collaborate with the National Assembly (NASS) to address concerns raised over the ongoing tax reform bills.

The move comes as lawmakers and various stakeholders continue to debate the content of the bills, which are part of the government’s fiscal reform agenda.

In a statement released today, the minister of information, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the reforms are essential for empowering states and local governments, ultimately benefiting millions of Nigerians.

He said the administration has sought to clarify misconceptions circulating about the bills, stressing that they are designed to increase revenues without imposing additional burdens on the citizens.

Tinubu urged all groups involved in the debate to engage respectfully and constructively, avoiding ethnic and regional slurs while focusing on the national interest.

The government also reassured Nigerians that the tax bills are not intended to harm any state or region, nor will they lead to the dismantling of any federal agencies.

Part of the statement read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing an ambitious fiscal reform agenda that will devolve more resources to Nigeria’s State and Local Governments, and ultimately to the Nigerian people, in the spirit of harnessing democracy that works for the people.

“It is pertinent to state that the government has nothing sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed. In line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal General welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.

“In this vein, President Tinubu has already directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the drafts to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns have been addressed before the bills are passed.

“We are indeed witnessing, at this moment in the history of Nigeria, the most far-reaching, impactful and beneficial set of fiscal reforms that Nigeria has seen in decades.

“In addition to the four tax bills being debated and deliberated upon, there is also the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, which will significantly empower the tier of government that is closest to the Nigerian people.

“In all, these reforms will not only facilitate increased revenues (without imposing additional tax burdens on the people), they will also make it possible for citizens to demand and enjoy greater accountability in the management of public resources at all levels of government.

“President Tinubu and the administration will continue to champion policies that close the loopholes and gaps through which Nigeria’s valuable public resources have been frittered away for decades.

“On top of this necessary foundation, the resources being conserved and realised from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure (healthcare, education, transportation, digital technology, etc) and in social investments that will benefit all Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind.”