House of Representatives Set to Pass President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills Amid Controversy
Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, has confirmed the chamber’s resolve to pass President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills with minor amendments. Speaking to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Agbese described the four executive bills as pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth, despite opposition from key stakeholders.
The Tax Reform Bills
The proposed bills include:
- Nigeria Tax Bill
- Tax Administration Bill
- Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill
- Repeal and Replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service
President Tinubu has emphasized that the reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, stimulate economic growth, and address inefficiencies.
Opposition from Northern Governors
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) voiced concerns on October 28, arguing that the bills could harm the region’s interests and exacerbate marginalization. The governors stressed the need for equitable implementation to protect all geopolitical zones.
Responding to the governors’ concerns, the presidency assured stakeholders on October 31 that the proposed laws would not increase the number of taxes but focus on improving collection efficiency and equity.
Pushback from Politicians
Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, added his voice to the opposition on November 17, urging the National Assembly to reject any provisions in the bills perceived as disadvantageous to the north.
Agbese also disclosed that some governors have threatened lawmakers with political consequences, including denying them return tickets for the 2027 elections, should they support the reforms.
Support from the House of Representatives
Despite the resistance, Agbese affirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to supporting the bills, aligning with the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
“The difference between the new crops of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressively-minded, and pro-Nigeria,” Agbese said.
He emphasized that the representatives prioritize their constituents over political pressures from governors. “We were not elected by the governors but by our constituents,” he said, adding that the bills would be refined with patriotism and intellectualism to ensure they serve Nigeria’s best interests.
Tinubu Stands Firm
On November 1, President Tinubu rejected recommendations from the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw the bills, underscoring their importance to his administration’s economic reform agenda.