Nigerian Senator Canvasses More Enlightenment On Tax Bills

Abia senator Orji Kalus said the tax reform bills were necessary but that many Nigerians are unaware of their economic benefits to the nation.

Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has called on the federal government to organise lectures on the tax reform bills across all regions to enable Nigerians to know the benefits of the bills.

Mr Kalu made the call on Wednesday during a visit to a former governorship aspirant in the state, Daniel Eke.

He explained that the bills were necessary but that many Nigerians were unaware of their economic benefits
“We need to give the president a chance to carry out these reforms, and the tax reform is not a bad bill. It is progressive, but the problem is that Nigerians were not lectured enough and lack orientation about its many benefits.

“The tax reform bill is not bad, but we need to carry other regions along. The other regions need to be educated on what the tax bill is all about,” the senator said.

President Bola Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration last year.

The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
However, the bills have faced criticisms from some Nigerians, particularly northern politicians and governors, who said they are against the region’s interests.

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume leads the pack of northern lawmakers opposed to the bills.

Also, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Borno State Governor Babangida Zulum said that except for Lagos State, the bills would not benefit other states.

He also said they could have devastating consequences for the northern region, as the states would not be able to pay salaries according to him.

His Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed, also spoke vehemently against the bills.

While the bills have passed a second reading in the Senate and referred to the committee on finance, they are yet to be debated in the House of Representatives

To address the concerns, the Senate constituted a committee to liaise with a delegation of the federal government led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

The panel is chaired by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

Senators from the southeast have said they are not against the bills but need to consult with their governors and other stakeholders in the region.

South-south senators warned people opposed to the tax bills to desist from introducing regional, ethnic or tribal sentiments when criticising them.

However, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the National Assembly will do everything within its ability to ensure the passage of the tax bills.
When approved, Mr Kalu explained that the tax reforms would promote competition among states, encouraging productivity and ultimately strengthening the nation’s economy.

He referenced the economic development in China, arguing that the bills could also help Nigeria’s economy grow.

“We can’t make any headway as a nation if we don’t go the China way, which is competition. Nigerians must face economic competition. Each of the 36 states should compete in terms of productivity. That is the only way the entire country can grow and develop, like China.

“President Tinubu is trying to ensure that all the states become competitive. A country like China has been growing for the last 35 years at a 10 per cent growth rate, making it a great country. They are growing not because of human rights, but they are growing in competition,” he added.

Source: allafric.com