Minister, Shehu Sani, others urge Northerners to support Tax Reform Bills

The Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, have urged Northerners to support the Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly, stressing their potential to boost the economy of the North and Nigeria as a whole.

Minister Idris stated that the nation’s tax administration system was long overdue for reform due to general taxpayer attitudes toward taxation, among other reasons.

He spoke on Saturday as the chairman of the Kaduna State chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 2024 Annual Public/AGM and Awards.

Specifically addressing the theme, “Tax Reform: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance,” Idris stressed the importance of constructive dialogue as a cornerstone of democracy.

He explained that the ongoing review of Nigeria’s tax laws is timely and critical, particularly as part of a larger set of macroeconomic reforms, commending the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform for its work in public engagement.

“The topic before us today is a sensitive yet important and inescapable one: taxation. It was the American statesman, Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, ‘In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.’

“Let me make it clear that even with our keenness for fundamental reform of Nigeria’s governance and fiscal systems, the Tinubu administration will never do anything to undermine the ideals of participatory democracy. The current mandate and responsibility that we have for governing and reforming Nigeria at this time came by way of democracy, and we will continue to live up to those very high democratic standards and expectations,” the Minister said.

Idris noted that effective taxation is crucial for governments worldwide to provide social services for citizens. However, he pointed out that flaws in Nigeria’s tax administration system and general taxpayer attitudes have made reform unavoidable.

“In light of this, the ongoing review of the country’s tax laws and realities is timely and crucial, especially as part of a larger set of macroeconomic reforms aimed at setting the country on an irreversible path of growth and development,” Idris said.

He lauded the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform for its public engagement and advocacy efforts.

He added, “President Tinubu has been very clear that the Executive will listen to and work with all stakeholders to ensure that all concerns are duly and comprehensively addressed. We will continue to ensure open lines of communication and engagement with the National Assembly and all other stakeholders on these taxation bills. We are all in this together, as one people, one nation.”

Idris noted the role of Public Relations in facilitating purposeful communication and building mutual understanding to foster collaboration and progress. He called on the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other stakeholders to support the government’s reform agenda.

Senator Shehu Sani also criticised state governors and lawmakers in the North who failed to sensitise the public about the tax reform bills. He warned that their lack of action was counterproductive to economic development in the region.

“It is unfortunate that Senators and members of the House of Representatives in the National Assembly have not adequately carried the people in the North along in support of the bills, which have the potential to bring development to this region,” Sani said. He emphasized that the reforms could significantly advance industries and agriculture in the North.

Prominent Islamic and Christian clerics, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi and Reverend Joseph Hayab, also expressed their support for the tax reform bills. They urged Northerners to back the enactment of the bills, stressing their potential to save the region from economic stagnation.

Gumi stated, “There is nothing wrong with ensuring that the bills are fully supported for the benefit and progress of the people in the North.” He added that revenues generated through these reforms if used effectively, would lead to improved welfare.

Earlier, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, pledged the institute’s support for the successful implementation of the tax reforms, promising to leverage the voices of its members across the country.