By Ayomide Otitoju
The House of Representatives on Wednesday commenced debates on four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu. The bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, are scheduled for a second reading, six months after their submission.
The bills, based on recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, have sparked widespread controversy. Northern governors and opposition politicians have strongly criticized the proposed reforms, demanding their withdrawal from the National Assembly.
During plenary, lawmakers largely supported the bills, but Rep. Sada Soli raised concerns that certain provisions might contradict the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized the need for clarity on the issue of derivation to prevent legal ambiguities. Soli expressed confidence that the committee tasked with reviewing the bills would address any inconsistencies before passage.
Additionally, lawmakers highlighted concerns over the 40 existing laws the bills seek to amend, urging that they be formally presented to Parliament for review. The issue of multiple taxation, particularly in property transactions, was also debated, with lawmakers questioning the provision that requires both buyers and sellers to pay taxes.
The debate continues as the House weighs the implications of the proposed tax reforms.
