On Tuesday, members of the Southern Caucus in the House of Representatives showed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills. After a meeting at the home of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the lawmakers spoke with journalists, stating that they view the tax reform bill as a positive step and are committed to providing the support necessary to enhance the country’s tax system.
Caucus chairman Nicholas Mutu noted that southern lawmakers intend to engage in broad consultations regarding the contentious clauses to ensure all stakeholders are included in the discussion. In response to the opposition from significant northern leaders concerning the bill, the Southern Caucus affirmed their dedication to ongoing dialogues with northern counterparts to reach common ground on disputed issues.
The four executive bills presented by President Tinubu to the National Assembly on September 3 had previously sparked intense debates among lawmakers during a private session two weeks ago.
These bills, which followed the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms led by Taiwo Oyedele for reviewing existing tax legislation, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, designed to establish a fiscal framework for taxation; the Tax Administration Bill, intended to provide a clear legal framework for taxes and minimize disputes; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which seeks to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and create a new Nigeria Revenue Service; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, aimed at setting up a tax tribunal and ombudsman.
Despite their introduction to parliament, the bills have faced considerable resistance, particularly from 36 state governors who called for their retraction in October to allow for further consultations.
