The National Assembly has assured Nigerians that it will thoroughly scrutinize the tax reform bills currently before parliament.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, made the promise during a meeting with 36 state governors from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The meeting, held from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, did not delve into discussions on tax reform. However, Kalu emphasized that the parliament would carefully consider the tax reform bills in the best interest of the people.
“To be fair to the governors, the governors did not dwell on tax reforms,” Kalu said. “It was generally about the constitution; they spoke on local government reforms. We only informed them that the tax bills are before the parliament, and we will look at them critically.”
The tax reform bills were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2024, following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which seeks to create a comprehensive fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria. Other proposed bills aim to address tax administration, establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and set up a tax tribunal and an ombudsman.
While the tax reform was not a primary topic of discussion during the meeting, Kalu assured Nigerians that both the Senate and House of Representatives would ensure that the reforms serve the people’s needs and desires.
“The parliament will scrutinize the tax reform bills with a view to aligning with the wishes of the people we represent,” Kalu said. “We are committed to ensuring that the reforms benefit Nigerians.”
Aside from tax reform, the meeting also focused on the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Kalu, who chairs the Committee on the Review of the Constitution, shared that the National Assembly had already received 161 proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with state governors in ensuring that the amendments address the country’s challenges.
“We’ve had a robust discussion, and the governors are in support of the constitutional review,” Kalu noted. “We will engage with them further and provide a breakdown of the proposed amendments in the coming meetings.”
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted that public opinion would be a critical part of the process. He revealed plans for National Assembly members to visit various states and geopolitical zones to seek input from the public on the proposed constitutional amendments.
“We are going to visit the states and geopolitical zones to advance public opinion on the thematic areas of the constitution we are reviewing,” he added.
The governors present at the meeting expressed strong support for the review of the 1999 Constitution. Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, stated that the governors were keen on ensuring that the review process reflects the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
“The governors are committed to working with the National Assembly to strengthen the constitution and ensure that it serves all Nigerians,” Governor Sani said.
The meeting also touched on other issues affecting the country, including education. Governors discussed ways to improve Nigeria’s education system, focusing on utilizing data and technology to enhance education management, particularly in areas with high rates of out-of-school children and learning poverty.
“Education is a priority for us, and we are working with the Federal Government to improve outcomes,” Sani said. “We are particularly focused on improving girl-child education and integrating vocational training into the curriculum.”
Tax Reform: A Vital Step for Nigeria’s Future
The ongoing discussions about tax reform are part of a broader effort to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal system. Experts believe that the reform bills, if passed, could improve the country’s tax collection system, reduce disputes, and create a more transparent tax regime.
The introduction of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 aims to establish a more effective framework for taxation, ensuring that the country’s tax laws are modernized and adapted to the current economic landscape. Similarly, the Tax Administration Bill and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill are designed to streamline tax administration and create an efficient revenue collection system.
If passed, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill would provide the country with a dedicated tax tribunal and ombudsman to address tax-related disputes swiftly and fairly.
Future Engagements on Constitutional Amendments
The National Assembly and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have pledged to continue their collaboration on constitutional amendments. Governors have been assured that the parliament will provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed amendments in the upcoming sessions.
The Deputy Speaker reiterated that the constitutional review process was not only about the National Assembly but also about engaging with Nigerians to ensure that the final amendments address the country’s most pressing challenges.
“We will not move forward without ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and represented in the amendments,” Kalu said. “The constitutional review is a partnership between the National Assembly, the governors, and the Nigerian people.”
