The House of Representatives has passed President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills for a second time, sparking mixed reactions from Nigerians. The bills—Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Joint Revenue Board Bill, and Nigeria Revenue Service Bill—aim to simplify the tax system, curb evasion, and expand the tax base.
During plenary, several lawmakers voiced strong support, while others, including Hon. Sada Soli, raised concerns about potential conflicts with the 1999 Constitution. Soli called for clearer definitions to prevent ambiguity, while Hon. Kwamoti Laori cautioned against granting the president unchecked powers under Section 52.
Some lawmakers also criticized the absence of interpretation clauses, warning that this could lead to misinterpretation. Others emphasized the need to review the 40 acts the bill seeks to amend, particularly regarding property taxation, which currently requires both buyers and sellers to pay levies. Minority Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda stressed the importance of aligning the bill with public expectations.
Following extensive debate, Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas referred the bills to the House Committee on Finance for further legislative review. Despite early opposition from governors, opposition politicians, and economic experts, the bills have gradually gained endorsements from various regional caucuses, including the South-South and South-West.
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