Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has voiced strong concerns over several provisions in President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.
Pantami, who recently attended the World Halal Summit in Turkiye, took to social media to outline his observations after a deep review of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024.
He praised the bill’s potential to revolutionize tax collection but warned of significant flaws that could cause chaos if not addressed.
“Suspend Legislative Action,” Pantami Urges NASS
Pantami urged the National Assembly to halt deliberations on the tax bills until thorough consultations are held.
“In leadership, the ability to change one’s mind is a sign of intelligence and empathy, not weakness,” he stated.
He called for a collaborative review involving tax experts, constitutional lawyers, and business stakeholders to clarify ambiguities in the bill.
Pantami identified several problematic sections, including Sections 3(3), 7(6), 8(2), 23, 28, 95, 96, 97, 118, and 141.
Concerns Over Constitutional Conflict
Pantami highlighted a potential conflict between the bill and the Nigerian Constitution.
“The supremacy clause in Section 141 is particularly troubling,” he warned.
He emphasized that vague definitions in the bill could lead to exploitation by regulatory bodies.
“These ambiguities could cause significant challenges during implementation,” Pantami added.
Call for Wider Stakeholder Engagement
Pantami stressed the need for wider consultations to address public mistrust in the government.
“The government must try to address the mistrust between it and its citizens,” he noted.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest over personal gains.
“We must discuss these issues objectively and critically,” Pantami urged.
Background on the Tax Reform Bills
The tax reform bills, introduced by President Tinubu’s administration, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system.
They seek to improve tax collection and increase revenue generation for national development.
However, the bills have sparked nationwide debates, with stakeholders expressing mixed reactions.
Experts Weigh In
Economists and legal experts have echoed some of Pantami’s concerns.
A tax consultant in Lagos, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bill’s ambiguity could lead to legal battles.
“If not properly defined, some sections could be interpreted differently by courts and regulators,” the consultant warned.
Another expert emphasized the need for transparency in the legislative process.
“Wider stakeholder engagement is crucial to ensure fairness and accountability,” he said.
Citizens’ Reactions
Pantami’s statement has sparked conversations on social media, with Nigerians divided over his recommendations.
While some praised his call for caution, others accused him of trying to delay much-needed reforms.
“We need these reforms now, not later,” a user commented on Twitter.
Others expressed concern over the impact of the proposed laws on businesses and the economy.
Pantami’s Track Record
Pantami, known for his policy expertise, played a significant role in Nigeria’s digital economy reforms.
His tenure as minister saw the implementation of key policies that boosted the country’s tech industry.
Many see his intervention in the tax debate as a call for thoughtful policy-making.
