Tax reforms will ease burden on poor Nigerians

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills will alleviate the burden on poor Nigerians and small companies when signed into law.

The four executive bills, since their introduction, have created tension between the 36 state governors and the Federal Government, with the governors calling for their withdrawal to allow more consultation.

Although some governors are reportedly reconsidering their stance, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has urged his northern colleagues to reject the bills, insisting that their implementation would harm the region’s economy.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Agbese urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s tax bills, emphasizing that as lawmakers, the nation’s interests take precedence over individual or sectional considerations.

“We hope to debate these bills on Tuesday, and we expect robust deliberation that will ultimately lead to the passage of the bills. Most of our colleagues have read the bills and, as a result, they are now shifting grounds. Those initially opposed to the bills are now advocating for their speedy consideration and passage.

“When we converge next week, more supporters will have been won over, but I want to add that this is not only about lawmakers. These bills are about Nigerians, from the top company executive to the farmer in a rural village. I say this because public policy affects everyone. If passed into law, these bills will rejig the economy and ensure rapid development of critical infrastructure,” he added.

Agbese commended Tinubu for championing a new approach to tax administration in the country, saying, “Nigeria is going the way of progressive taxation. What this means is that if implemented, we will have a new tax regime that takes away the burden from poor Nigerians and small companies. It is a new way of thinking that will do us good.”