Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that the National Assembly will not kill the controversial tax reform bills, saying critics of the bills lacked understanding of the proposed legislations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, in October, 2024, transmitted four tax reform bills to both chambers of the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
But the bills received heavy bashing with some governors, federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and many other Nigerians rejected the bills.
Speaking during the 2025 budget presentation by President Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja, Akpabio said a “well-envisioned bill” cannot be killed.
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Akpabio in his opening remarks during the session said, “Your Excellency, we commend you on your groundbreaking tax reform initiative.
“The four tax reform bills-the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.
“It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics. I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.
“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.
“We will not kill any reform that you have forwarded to us for consideration Mr President, but rather engage Nigerians to see the merits in them.”
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, in his closing remarks said the National Assembly would work with the President by giving his reform agenda the required legislative backing.
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