Atiku urges equity in tax reform bills as Nigerians demand fair fiscal system
Atiku urges equity in tax reform bills as Nigerians demand fair fiscal system
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on lawmakers to ensure that deliberations on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills promote equity and inclusivity.
Speaking via his official X handle on Sunday, Atiku highlighted the unified call from Nigerians for a fiscal system that fosters justice and avoids deepening regional disparities.
“Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity,” he stated. “The fiscal system we seek must not exacerbate uneven development by elevating some states while unduly penalising others.”
The tax reform bills, currently under review in the Senate, include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.
They have passed the second reading and are being evaluated by the Senate Committee on Finance.
While proponents argue the bills will strengthen Nigeria’s tax administration, critics claim they could disproportionately benefit certain regions. Atiku, without declaring his stance on the bills, stressed the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process.
He urged the National Assembly to conduct public hearings that involve all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and subject matter experts.
“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders,” Atiku said, adding that resolutions from the National Economic Council should be made public to guide deliberations.
The tax reform bills have yet to pass the second reading in the House of Representatives, and no date has been announced for the public hearings.
Following these hearings, recommendations will be presented to both legislative chambers for final consideration.
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