The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the ongoing robust public debates on the Tax Reform Bills are critical components of democratic governance, as policy formulation and debates are inseparable.

Idris stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he received the management of the Progressives Institute, led by the Director General, Dr. Lanre Adedayo, on a courtesy visit to his office.

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The Minister said constructive engagement with stakeholders and the public on any policy of the government would ensure that policies are well-aligned with the needs and aspirations of citizens.

Idris’s spokesperson, Rabiu Ibrahim, quoted him, saying, “Let’s take the Tax Reform, for example, that has generated so much debate, with some people saying that the debate is against government policy or the President, and I tend to disagree. I think that these are healthy debates that all of us are having so that we can make this bill better. For anyone who thinks that debate and putting out policy are mutually exclusive, I think that’s wrong.

“There will always be the opportunity to have a healthy debate so that whatever government puts forward can be made better. In any case, this is being done for the benefit of all Nigerians. Therefore, Nigerians have the democratic right to interrogate government policies, provided the commentaries are healthy and are geared towards making the policies better.”

He noted that the Tax Reform proposed by the President is not intended to place any part of the country at a disadvantage; rather, it is designed to promote inclusive growth and stimulate economic activities across the nation, in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to equitable development and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Idris, however, urged Nigerians to actively participate in discussions on government policies, as their contributions are invaluable in strengthening the nation’s democratic process.

Idris said the reforms that the President instituted are bold and tough, but the surest way to fulfill his campaign promise of promoting progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“Reforms are usually tough, usually hard, but once they are followed through, they deliver extraordinary results, and we know that the direction that this government is going, we are extremely confident that all the reform processes that Mr. President has instituted will take us to the desired destination,” he stated.

Idris added that so far, Nigerians are beginning to see the benefits of the reforms, especially through the recent positive indices provided by the National Bureau of Statistics on the performance of the economy.