- Threats from Governors: Some state governors are threatening federal lawmakers with denial of return tickets in the 2027 general elections if they support President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
- Tax Reform Bills: The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
- Lawmakers’ Resolve: Despite threats, lawmakers are united across party lines to support the bills, aimed at revamping the economy.
- Presidential Support: President Tinubu rejects governors’ demand for withdrawal, insisting on debate and potential amendments in the Senate and House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, revealed that some state governors are pressuring federal lawmakers to withdraw their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills. These bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, aim to reform Nigeria’s tax framework.
The bills include:
- Nigeria Tax Bill 2024: Provides the fiscal framework for taxation in the country.
- Tax Administration Bill: Establishes a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes, reducing disputes.
- Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill: Repeals the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establishes the Nigeria Revenue Service.
- Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill: Creates a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
Despite the 36 state governors demanding withdrawal for more consultation and public input, President Tinubu insists on debating and potentially amending the bills in the Senate and House of Representatives. Lawmakers remain resolute in their support, united across party lines to revamp the economy.
