• Wants lawmakers to reject Section 59(3) of NTB 2024
• FG launches campaign to win public trust on tax legislations
• Senate adjourns plenary for 2025 budget defence, prioritises electoral reform

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Port Harcourt zone, has strongly criticised Section 59(3) of the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024, describing it as a “death sentence” for public tertiary education in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists during a briefing themed ‘The Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 and the Proposed Scrapping of TETFund: A Death Sentence for Public Tertiary Educational Institutions,’ ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator, Stanley Ogoun, condemned the planned diversion of TETFund resources to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He called the move illegal and unsustainable.

Ogoun accused successive governments of systematically undermining public education, stating that the Federal Government’s reliance on TETFund to finance the student loan scheme exemplifies a lack of foresight and innovation.

“The systemic efforts by successive governments to decimate public educational institutions have continued unabated. This administration is taking a further step by introducing the so-called students’ loan scheme and planning to abrogate TETFund as an intervention agency by 2030,” Ogoun said.

He questioned the sustainability of NELFUND, citing a lack of clarity on its funding sources and the long-term viability of the loan scheme. He further alleged that the decision to draw funds from TETFund violates existing laws, blaming government advisers for misleading President Tinubu.

“The planners of this scheme, lacking innovative ideas, advised Mr President to draw from TETFund allocations. This illegality has led to the proposed Section 59(3) of NTB 2024, which slashes TETFund’s scope of intervention and reduces its allocations to 50 per cent between 2025 and 2026. By 2030, TETFund will receive zero allocations,” Ogoun explained.

He urged the National Assembly to reject the controversial provision, saying: “We call on lawmakers to side with the people and reject Section 59(3). Posterity will judge your actions today.”

Ogoun stressed that diverting TETFund’s resources would cripple public tertiary institutions, particularly those outside industrialised areas, and vowed ASUU’s resistance to what he termed a “hostile takeover.”

However, the House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to passing the controversial tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite opposition from some Nigerians.

Speaker of the House, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, disclosed this yesterday in a welcome address to lawmakers as they resumed from the Christmas and New Year recess.

The address was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Abbas stressed that the legislative agenda for 2025 would focus on the passage of the appropriation bill and the tax reform bills, describing them as crucial for economic recovery and fiscal stability. He noted that the reforms aim to broaden the tax base, improve compliance, and reduce reliance on external borrowing.

“The House will ensure that these reforms are equitable and considerate of the needs of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable. As we engage with the budget and other legislative priorities, we must remain meticulous in our scrutiny, ensuring that every proposal aligns with national objectives and delivers tangible benefits to the citizenry,” he said.

The Speaker also announced plans for a Citizens’ Town Hall on the budget, which he said would enhance transparency and inclusivity in the House’s decision-making processes.

This came as the Federal Government unveiled plans to embark on a nationwide community engagement campaign aimed at fostering understanding and acceptance of the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

Tayo Koleosho, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), disclosed this during a media roundtable discussion in Abuja yesterday.

Koleosho explained that the initiative seeks to address public scepticism about taxation by bridging the communication gap between the government and the public.

He stressed the importance of grassroots engagement to ensure that citizens across the country understand the implications and benefits of the reforms for Nigeria’s development.

He said: “This is one of the many steps we are trying to take. We are trying to meet Nigerians through different channels that they can understand because we believe the major gap in compliance with or acceptance of any law, especially tax laws, lies in a general scepticism towards taxation worldwide.

“When Nigerians understand the content and purpose of this reform, they can trust it and even become advocates for it.

“On the other hand, we are in a situation where the country urgently needs more revenue. Taxation not only generates revenue but also gives citizens a sense of ownership and the right to question how their money is being spent.”

Olufemi Olarinde, Head of the Fiscal and Tax Reforms Implementation Division at FIRS, highlighted that the tax reform bill is a product of extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.

He noted that the Tax Reform Committee held roundtables nationwide to ensure equity and fairness in the proposed reforms.

Responding to concerns from the northern region, where resistance to the bill has been reported, Olarinde explained that the reforms prioritise economic stimulation by exempting low-income earners earning below N300,000 yearly.

“The aim is to expand the tax net by enabling small businesses and individuals to thrive, which will ultimately increase revenue for states. Additionally, digitising tax administration will enhance compliance and efficiency,” he said.

Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu for Community Engagement in the Southwest, outlined the government’s strategic communication framework for the campaign.

“We are creating a six-month plan to advocate for the tax reform bill at the community level. This involves engaging trade unions, associations, and grassroots leaders, communicating in local languages, and ensuring inclusivity,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Senate has adjourned plenary for two weeks to allow lawmakers focus on the defence of the 2025 budget with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the adjournment yesterday, stating that the budget report would be presented when plenary resumes on January 28.

In his welcome address titled ‘Rising to the Greatness of Our Calling,’ Akpabio urged his colleagues to recommit themselves to transforming Nigeria. He called for bold action, unity, and visionary leadership to tackle the nation’s challenges.

“This moment is significant,” Akpabio said. “History is calling on us to make a difference; to write a new narrative for our nation, one of progress, justice, and boundless possibilities.”

Describing the 2025 budget as more than a financial document, Akpabio referred to it as a “blueprint of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians.” He emphasised the need for the budget to reflect the collective dreams of the people and serve as a catalyst for development, equity, and justice.

Beyond budget considerations, Akpabio identified electoral reform as a critical priority for the legislative year. With preparations underway for the next electoral cycle, he described reforming Nigeria’s electoral system as both a legislative duty and a moral imperative.

“It is our chance to gift the Nigerian people a system that is transparent, credible, and reflective of their will,” Akpabio said, underscoring the importance of building trust in democratic processes.

He also urged lawmakers to seek divine guidance in their deliberations and approach their responsibilities with patriotic determination.

“Our work here is not just about legislation; it is about shaping the future of a nation and leaving a legacy for generations to come,” he added.