Conference of State Legislatures Backs President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, Emphasizes Constitutional Compliance

By Comfort Olayinka

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform bills, currently under consideration at the National Assembly.

The conference commended the President’s efforts, stating that the bills, if passed, would strengthen fiscal federalism by empowering states with greater financial autonomy.

The conference noted that the tax reform bills would improve tax collection and administration, enabling states to fund critical infrastructure and public services for sustainable development.

The bills aim to simplify the tax system, enhance compliance, and create a more business-friendly environment.

In addition to supporting the tax reform bills, the conference emphasized the need for strict compliance with constitutional provisions in removing state Houses of Assembly presiding officers.

The conference acknowledged the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers and appealed to stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm.

The conference also addressed the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, noting court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The conference called on the Executive Governor of Rivers State and other stakeholders to engage with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress.

Says “respect for judicial decisions and institutional harmony is essential for effective governance.”

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria remains committed to strengthening democracy, promoting legislative independence, and ensuring good governance across all states of the federation.

” The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly and emphasizes that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws.

“We appeal to all critical stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm and ensure adherence to these provisions for the peace and progress of the state.”

The Communique reads in full…

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF SPEAKERS OF STATE LEGISLATURES OF NIGERIA, HELD ON FEBRUARY 13, 2025, AT BON HOTEL, 1 MONROVIA STREET, WUSE 2, ABUJA

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, after extensive deliberations on key national and sub-national legislative matters, issues the following resolutions:

1. Leadership Change in the Lagos State House of Assembly: The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly and emphasizes that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws. We appeal to all critical stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm and ensure adherence to these provisions for the peace and progress of the state.
2. Crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly: The Conference notes the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. We call on the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders engage with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress. Respect for judicial decisions and institutional harmony is essential for effective governance.
3. Tax Reform Bills: The Conference commends the President’s efforts on the tax reform bills currently undergoing legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly. We acknowledge the citizens’ concerns and believe these will guide lawmakers in passing legislation that serves the nation’s overall interests. If enacted, the reforms are expected to strengthen fiscal federalism by empowering states with greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration, enabling them to fund critical infrastructure and public services for sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria remains committed to strengthening democracy, promoting legislative independence, and ensuring good governance across all states of the federation.