To address the concerns raised by Nigerians over the Tax Reforms Bills, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Justice to work with the National Assembly .
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu committed to accountability on tax bills, directs Ministry of Justice to work with NASS on concerns.’
It said the President gave the review order on Tuesday as some northern youths stormed the National Assembly in support of the bills.
The bills – the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill have generated hot debates across the country with northern governors and lawmakers opposed to their passage.
Part of the concerns of those opposing passage of the bill are that the reforms could disrupt the balance of fiscal federalism, potentially centralising tax authority and diminishing state revenues.
However, the minister said in line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal government welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.
The Presidency had earlier said most reactions from political leaders and commentators are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills, noting that the tax bills will not enrich Lagos or Rivers at the expense of northern states.