The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, arguing that they will alleviate the financial burden on poor Nigerians and small businesses once signed into law. His comments come amidst growing opposition to the bills from various state governors, who have called for more consultations before moving forward with the legislation.
Agbese spoke with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, emphasizing that the proposed tax reforms were crucial for the economic well-being of the country. “If passed into law, these bills will rejig the economy and ensure rapid development of critical infrastructure,” he said. The bills, which have faced significant resistance from some state governors, are seen as a pivotal step in reforming Nigeria’s tax system.
Since their introduction, the four executive tax reform bills have sparked a fierce debate between the federal government and the 36 state governors. While some governors have softened their stance, calling for further dialogue, Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum has remained adamantly opposed to the bills. Zulum, in particular, has voiced concerns that the implementation of the proposed tax reforms could severely harm the northern region’s economy.
Despite the opposition, Agbese remains optimistic that the bills will gain the necessary support from lawmakers. “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,” Agbese explained, adding that those who were initially opposed to the bills were now advocating for their speedy consideration.
The Deputy Spokesman further stressed that the tax reforms were not just about lawmakers or political interests but were about the well-being of all Nigerians, from high-ranking company executives to farmers in rural villages. “This is not only about lawmakers. These bills are about Nigerians,” Agbese said, highlighting the widespread impact of the proposed reforms.
Agbese praised President Tinubu for his leadership in introducing the tax reform bills, noting that the country’s tax administration system was overdue for a transformation. “Nigeria is going the way of progressive taxation,” he stated, underscoring that the proposed changes would shift the burden away from the poor and small businesses.
According to Agbese, the new tax regime would create a fairer system that encourages economic growth while reducing financial strain on vulnerable groups. “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,” he said.
In contrast to the concerns voiced by some governors, Agbese believes that the proposed reforms will foster economic development across Nigeria. He urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to put the interests of the nation above sectional or individual concerns and support the timely passage of the bills.
As the debate over the tax reforms continues, the House of Representatives is expected to convene next week for a more detailed discussion. Agbese is hopeful that by then, more lawmakers will be on board, strengthening the momentum for the passage of the bills, which he believes will ultimately benefit all Nigerians.
