Tension Rises In Abuja As House Of Reps Revisits Explosive Tax Reform Bills

The House of Representatives is set to commence deliberations today on the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly for review and approval.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Originally scheduled for debate on November 30, 2024, discussions were indefinitely postponed due to strong opposition from lawmakers and governors representing the northern region. At the time, northern governors voiced concerns that certain provisions in the bills were not aligned with the best interests of their region.

A lawmaker from the North-West geopolitical zone, speaking anonymously to Daily Trust, confirmed on Tuesday that the House would resume legislative consideration of the bills, with the debate prominently listed on today’s Order Paper.

Northern Lawmakers Stand Firm on Regional Interests

While reports suggest that northern governors have softened their stance on the reforms, lawmakers from the region remain resolute, pledging to block any provisions they believe could negatively impact the North.

“We in the Northern Caucus of the House met yesterday, with all leaders of our zonal caucuses, including the Speaker (Abbas Tajudeen), in attendance. We’ve resolved to thoroughly scrutinize the tax reform bills,” a northern lawmaker disclosed.

“Debate begins tomorrow (today), and we’re united in ensuring no harmful provisions pass into law. We’ll follow proceedings closely and work collectively to protect our people’s interests,” the lawmaker added.

The meeting was chaired by Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the Northern Caucus, and attended by prominent zonal leaders, including Ahmed Idris Wase (North Central), Mukhtar Betara (North East), and Sada Soli Jibia (North West).

Compromise on VAT Revenue Sharing

In a recent development, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) announced that all 36 state governors have endorsed a revised version of the tax reform bills. This agreement followed extensive negotiations with the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, suggesting potential compromises on contentious issues such as VAT revenue sharing.