Atiku Sends Message To NASS On Tax Reform Bills

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the National Assembly to revisit and publicly disclose the resolutions of the National Economic Council regarding the Tax Reform Bills.

The bills, which have sparked significant controversy since President Bola Tinubu introduced them to the National Assembly, passed their second reading in the Senate last week.

In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku emphasized that the National Assembly must be properly guided to ensure that the final content of the bills reflects the interests of the majority of Nigerians.

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“I call on the NASS to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council, a key stakeholder and an important organ of the state with the constitutional power to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation. 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,” the post read in part.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, who has been closely following the intense public debate surrounding the Tax Reform Bills, emphasized that Nigerians are united in their demand for a fiscal system that fosters justice, fairness, and equity.

He stated that Nigerians are “loud and clear” in their call for a fiscal system that does not worsen the disparity in the development of the federating units by elevating a few states at the expense of others.

He also urged the House of Representatives to ensure objectivity and transparency in the process of conducting its public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills.

“I call for objectivity and transparency in the conduct of the public hearing being organised by our representatives in the National Assembly. As a concerned stakeholder, I firmly believe that transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making.

“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts.”

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The National Economic Council (NEC) has recommended that President Tinubu withdraw the proposed bills following controversies surrounding their introduction.

The bills were sent to the National Assembly based on the findings and recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, which was established by the President to enhance revenue generation in the country.

However, NEC unanimously advised that the bills be withdrawn, emphasizing the need for greater alignment and consultation among stakeholders regarding the proposed reforms.

Despite this advice, President Tinubu has stated that the bills will not be withdrawn from the National Assembly. He explained that they should undergo the full legislative process.

One of the most vocal opponents of the Tax Reform Bills is Senator Ali Ndume, who has consistently called for their withdrawal. After the bills passed their second reading in the Senate last week, Ndume questioned the urgency of their passage and reiterated his call for the President to heed NEC’s recommendation to withdraw the bills.

“It is not that I am totally saying that we should throw away the baby with the bath water, but since the governors who are our leaders, the National Economic Council and many individuals have said that it is not that we should throw away the bills, no. Withdraw the bill, do more consultations and then bring the bill again. Why are they in a hurry? That is a big suspicion, Ndume said.