In the midst of heated debates over the controversial tax reform bills, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a fiscal system that guarantees fairness and justice for all states in Nigeria.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, expressed his concerns in a post shared on his official social media handle on Sunday. The outspoken leader is worried that the tax reforms could lead to a system that benefits only a select few states, leaving others behind.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest,” Atiku said. He emphasized that Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity. According to him, the current proposals risk exacerbating the uneven development of Nigeria’s federating states by elevating a few and penalizing others.
Atiku’s remarks come amidst rising public concerns that some states are poised to benefit disproportionately from the tax reforms, further widening the economic gap between the rich and poor states in the country. The former vice president believes that such an approach could have long-lasting negative impacts on national unity and development.
“Nigerians are loud and clear that the fiscal system we seek to promote must not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units by enhancing the status of a few states while unduly penalizing others,” he warned.
The tax reform bills currently being debated by the National Assembly have stirred controversy as they propose changes to how Nigeria’s tax system is structured. While some argue that the reforms will create a more efficient system, others fear that they could disproportionately benefit wealthier states at the expense of the less developed ones.
Atiku called for the National Assembly to be transparent and objective in handling the public hearings that are a part of the reform process. He stressed that these hearings should be inclusive and involve all stakeholders, from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts.
“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders,” Atiku stated, reinforcing his belief in the importance of transparency for promoting good governance. He emphasized that the success of the reform process hinges on the ability of the National Assembly to remain fair and balanced in its approach.
In his post, Atiku also called for the National Assembly to publicly disclose the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC) on the tax reform bills. The NEC, an important body in Nigeria’s governance structure, advises the president on economic matters. Atiku believes that the National Assembly must consult with the council and ensure its resolutions are considered in the final version of the bills.
“The NASS must be appropriately guided and ensure that in the final analysis, the contents of the bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” Atiku urged.
The call for fairness in the tax reform process comes at a time when many Nigerians are questioning the equitable distribution of resources and government investments across the country. While some states, particularly those with larger populations or more resources, are seen as having the upper hand in national discussions, others feel neglected and marginalized.
Atiku’s intervention has sparked a renewed conversation about the need for fiscal reforms that do not perpetuate inequality. It also highlights a growing demand for inclusive governance that reflects the diverse needs of Nigeria’s federating states.
