Reps to confer with experts on tax reform bills – Deputy spokeman

The House of Representatives on November 6, 2024, stated that it would be willing to hire tax professionals to inform it of the ramifications of the tax reform bills that are presently being considered by the national assembly.

The house’s deputy spokesman, Mr. Philip Agbese, revealed this in an exclusive interview in Abuja.

Recall that four executive laws were recently filed by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council with the goals of creating a unified revenue service, simplifying financial duties for citizens and businesses, and expediting the taxation process.

The committee, led by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, reviewed the current tax legislation for months before implementing the amendments in August 2023.

Four executive laws that incorporated the committee’s recommendations were sent to the national assembly in September 2024.

To allow for additional deliberations, the 36 state governors demanded last week that the laws be withdrawn.

This came after 19 state governors had previously opposed the plan, arguing that it went against the interests of the north and the state governments.

While not discounting the possibility of federal parliamentarians reviewing the proposals, the presidency has asked that parliament study them regardless of the governors’ stance.

“…the house is prepared to hold town hall meetings to discuss the matter with Nigerians”.

Agbese disclosed on Monday that the house is prepared to hold town hall meetings to discuss the matter with Nigerians.

He said: “Where necessary, we will bring in experts to dissect them line by line and understand what exactly Nigerians think about it.

“They (the executive bills) will be subjected to a town hall engagement with the citizens for their input.

“We are known for being the People’s House, and that mantra under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abass will be sustained at all times”.

House minority leader, Mr. Kingsley Chinda also stated that the caucus had started working on the measures in advance of the 36 governors voicing their opinions.

According to report, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker said: “The minority caucus, even before the NEC meeting, had set up a team led by the deputy chairman of the house committee on appropriation, Mr Iduma Igariwey, to consider and come up with a position paper, which will be discussed by the caucus before the second reading of the bills”.

He promised that the stance taken by the minority caucus will be in line with the interests of the country.

“The assurance is that the caucus will take a position that is in the best interest of the country and Nigerians.

“While we do not stand against citizens paying taxes, we do not believe in excessive taxation, as that will impoverish the country rather than grow the economy.

“We will rather strongly call for a reduction in public sector overhead costs and greater welfare for the lower class to reduce the gap between the lower and higher classes.

“In Nigeria today, we have both extremes,” he added.

Earlier: Members commence two-week recess

The House of Representatives commenced a two-week recess in an earlier report.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the news was disclosed by the house’s spokesperson, Mr. Akin Rotimi Jr, in a statement.

Mr. Rotimi stated that “the recess is specifically designed to enable members of the House of Representatives to conduct thorough oversight of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring accountability and transparency on behalf of the Nigerian people.

“The break allows lawmakers to focus on critical oversight activities, scrutinizing the performance of government agencies and holding them accountable for their actions,” Rotimi stated.

He added that the decision was initially communicated to members through an announcement titled “Pre-Budget Oversight”.

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