Following the controversy trailing the Tax Reforms Bills, President Bola Tinubu has charged the Ministry of Justice to work closely with the National Assembly to address the concerns raised by Nigerians.
The President, who is in South Africa, handed down the review order on Tuesday as some northern youths stormed the National Assembly in support of the bills.
The bills – the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill – have generated hot debates and contention across the country with northern governors and lawmakers opposed to their passage.
Critics argue that the reforms could disrupt the balance of fiscal federalism, potentially centralising tax authority and diminishing state revenues.
However, in a move to assuage the high emotion over the reform bills, Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the draft to collaborate with the National Assembly to address all genuine concerns before the bills were passed.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, titled, ‘President Tinubu committed to accountability on tax bills, directs the Ministry of Justice to work with NASS on concerns.’
The minister said, “In line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal General welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.
“In this vein, President Tinubu has already directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the drafts to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns have been addressed before the bills are passed.”
