President Bola Tinubu on Monday, made a very strong case for the four tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
He stressed their role in boosting Nigeria’s revenue and fostering economic growth.
Mr. Tinubu addressed concerns surrounding the bills, particularly amid opposition from the North, where the proposals have stirred widespread debate.
He stressed the need for collaboration, not confrontation, between the executive and legislative branches to advance the nation’s development.
Tinubu, represented by Dr. Joseph Ochoku, Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, made the remarks during the 7th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and the 75th posthumous birthday celebration of the late Oyo State governor.
The event took place at the University of Ibadan.
He reiterated that the reforms are essential to addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges, expanding the tax base, and ensuring sustainable economic policies.
The roundtable, organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategies Studies, University of Ibadan, had the topic: “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
While speaking through Ochoku, the President said, “My administration is determined to forge a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“Despite occasional tensions, we recognise that effective governance is a shared responsibility. Collaboration, not confrontation, must define our interactions as we work towards the collective goal of improving the lives of our people.
“An example of this collaboration is the ongoing deliberation on the four proposed tax bills before the National Assembly.
“These reforms, when enacted, promise to streamline tax administration, enhance revenue generation, and promote equitable resource allocation.
“They are pivotal to our mission of building an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria and making our country competitive to attract foreign direct investment.”
Tinubu said his administration was working to insulate the constitutional roles of each arm of government from primordial sentiments as he expressed belief in press freedom.
“We also believe in press freedom and in holding government accountable. Thus, in our drive to deepen and consolidate the culture of democratic governance, we have been working assiduously to insulate the constitutional roles and functions of each arm of government from primordial sentiments, lack of engagement, and the dissemination of fake news and hate speeches,” he said.