By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives has committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s tax reforms are fair and transparent for all citizens, following mounting opposition to the ongoing tax bills.
During a public hearing in Abuja on Wednesday, key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), voiced concerns over the proposed changes.
Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, raised alarm about potential conflicts between the proposed bills and the existing Customs Act, warning that the reforms could effectively render the agency obsolete. He pointed out jurisdictional conflicts in several sections of the new bills that might undermine the authority of the NCS.
The TUC president also expressed strong opposition, particularly over provisions in the bill that could defund key national institutions such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the transfer of oil and gas sector revenue collection to a new agency, further fueling the controversy.
Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, reassured Nigerians that the Green Chamber would thoroughly review all recommendations and suggestions before passing the bills, ensuring that the tax reforms serve the best interests of the country.
The House vowed to ensure that the final legislation is both equitable and practical, balancing the need for government revenue with the economic realities faced by Nigerians.
The speaker, represented by Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader, gave this assurance during the public hearing on the tax reforms bills on Wednesday.
“The Tinubu administration is deliberate in the administration’s tax reform programme ostensibly to improve Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio by streamlining and broadening the tax base. However, as representatives of the people, I have continued to hold the view that we must approach these reforms thoughtfully, understanding their potential implications for every segment of society. Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses.
“The House will, therefore, scrutinise these bills thoroughly, ensuring they align with the best interests of our constituents and the nation at large. We owe this duty to Nigerians, and as the People’s House, we must always be accountable to the people,” he said.
