Lawmaker Breaks Ranks: Rejects Calls To Withdraw Controversial Tax Reform Bills!

Lawmakers from Nigeria’s southern region have firmly opposed calls to withdraw the contentious tax reform bills, arguing that any concerns can be addressed through proper legislative debate and public hearings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The proposed tax reforms, introduced by the executive in October 2024, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

These bills have sparked intense debates, with northern governors particularly opposing the changes related to the derivation-based Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution model.

In an interview with Sunday Punch, Bamidele Salam, a House of Representatives member from the South-West, urged stakeholders to let the legislative process resolve the issues at hand.

“I do not support those calling for the withdrawal of the bills,” Salam stated. “That would be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There is no issue in the bills that cannot be corrected during public hearings and subsequent legislative stages. We must not delay this crucial reform as we did with the Petroleum Industry Bill, only to lose out on golden opportunities for two decades.”

Echoing Salam’s sentiment, another House member, Oluwole Oke, stressed that the decision on the bills lies with federal lawmakers.

“In a democracy, the minority will have their say, but the majority will have their way. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian representatives in Parliament to determine the fate of these four executive bills, not those standing on the sidelines,” Oke said.