In a developing political situation, Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has alleged that governors are threatening lawmakers with the denial of return tickets for those who support President Bola Tinubu's Tax Reform Bills. This claim comes as Tinubu transmitted four significant tax reform bills to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024. The proposed legislation includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill [bf028ef7].
Governors have expressed their demand for the withdrawal of these bills, citing the need for further consultation before proceeding. Despite this pressure, Agbese affirmed that lawmakers are committed to supporting bills that aim to revamp the economy, emphasizing the necessity of tax reforms to enhance Nigeria's tax-to-GDP ratio, which currently stands at a mere 6% [bf028ef7].
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has echoed the call for tax reforms, highlighting their critical role in improving the country's fiscal landscape. Additionally, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has pointed out that effective tax policy is essential for Nigeria's economic progress. In response to concerns about regional targeting, Taiwo Oyedele clarified that the bills are designed to be inclusive and not favor any particular region [bf028ef7].
This political tension reflects the broader challenges facing the Tinubu administration as it seeks to implement crucial economic reforms amidst resistance from state governors, who are wary of the potential implications for their fiscal autonomy and political influence [bf028ef7].