Tax Reforms: Suspend legislative action for now, Pantami tells NASS

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to suspend legislative action on the 2024 Nigeria Tax Administration Bill.

Pantami said that several sections of the bill make him uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, conflict with the constitution, and have potential for regulatory abuse.

Pantami, who recently returned from speaking at the World Halal Summit 2024 in Turkey, shared his concerns via a statement on Tuesday. He said the bill has the potential to transform tax collection administration if improved and implemented in the national interest.

However, Pantami warned, “There are critical observations that need to be addressed, including a potential conflict with the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution.”

“Several sections of the bill make me uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, which could lead to significant challenges during implementation. Furthermore, regulatory bodies may exploit these ambiguities when developing their regulatory instruments,” he added.

Pantami identified specific sections of the bill that he believes are problematic, including Section 3(3), Section 7(6), Section 8(2), Section 23, Section 28, Sections 95, 96, 97, 118, and Section 141, which addresses the bill’s supremacy clause.

In light of this, Pantami offered his ‘two pieces of advice’ to the National Assembly , urging them to suspend legislative action for now.

Pantami stated that some of the challenges could not be addressed by the chambers alone, adding that in leadership, the ability to change one’s mind is a sign of intelligence and empathy, not weakness.

In his second ‘piece of advice’ to the NASS, Pantami urged them to “allow for wider consultations on the bill, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed.”

“Finally, the government must try to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, as our situation as a nation is deteriorating due to this mistrust.

“Citizens are largely suspicious. Building trust is crucial at this juncture for all arms and tiers of government. We must also prioritise our national interests over and above our personal interests. Issues must also be discussed objectively and critically,” he added.