Tax Reform Bill will be passed through normal legislative process- Dickson

The Senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district, Seriake Dickson, has assured Nigerians that the Tax Reform Bill will be passed despite opposition, much like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that was passed with a 3% allocation to host communities instead of the proposed 10%.

He stressed that public outcry should not deter the legislative process, as the bill is essential for correcting imbalances in the current tax system.

“Heavens did not fall when the PIB passed at 3% instead of 10%, and they won’t fall now,” Dickson said. “This Tax Reform Bill is in the national interest, and it will be passed through the normal legislative process.”

The Senator highlighted a key issue driving his support for the bill: the unfair distribution of taxes.

“Currently, taxes from Bayelsa are being paid to Lagos State because of where company headquarters are located. That must change. If you consume goods or services in Bayelsa—whether it’s making a call, buying cement, or even drinking kaikai—the taxes should go to Bayelsa, not Lagos,” he explained.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa, recalled his long-standing fight against the flawed tax system, including taking VAT matters to the Supreme Court. He called on other states worried about potential revenue losses to present their data during the public hearings.

“Public hearings are for raising concerns with facts, not sentiment. There will be no intimidation—let everyone make their case,” he urged.

Addressing fears of opposition, particularly from northern states, Dickson dismissed regional concerns, reiterating his focus on national unity. “I don’t engage in regional politics. I am a national politician, and I support what’s best for the country,” he stated.

He also referenced his history of taking principled stands, including his opposition to the Naira redesign policy and his advocacy for a higher percentage in the PIB.

“I act on conviction, not sentiment. When everyone supported the Naira redesign, I stood against it because it wasn’t in the national interest. The same applies here,” he said.

Dickson urged Nigerians to embrace the tax reform, noting that it is a long-overdue correction that will ensure fairness in revenue distribution.

“This country needs a tax system that ensures states receive what they’re due. We cannot allow a few states to retain taxes that belong to others. This bill is about justice, fairness, and progress,” he added.

With public hearings imminent, Dickson’s message is clear: the Tax Reform Bill will pass, and it will bring long-awaited equity to Nigeria’s revenue-sharing framework.