By Philip Nwosu
Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, the lawmaker representing Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, has called on the Presidency to release detailed tax revenue data to enable lawmakers and Nigerians to make informed decisions on the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
Speaking over the weekend, Dasuki, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services, emphasised the need for a comparative analysis between the current tax law and the proposed reforms.
He advised the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms to present data showing the tax revenue accrued to each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from January to September 2024 under the existing tax framework, alongside projected revenue under the proposed reforms.
“This comparative data is crucial for lawmakers to make sound resolutions and for addressing concerns that the new tax laws might harm the economies of some states or negatively impact citizens,” Dasuki stated.
The federal lawmaker underscored the importance of transparency, stating that Nigerians deserve to understand how the proposed tax laws would affect their lives and local economies.
“I have told members of the Presidential Committee during our recent meeting with the House leadership that the best way to gain the trust of Nigerians is to convince them with data,” he said. “The public has a right to know how these reforms will influence their livelihoods, businesses, and state economies.”
Dasuki added that while no reasonable Nigerian would oppose tax policies that enhance the quality of life and economic development, citizens would rightly reject any law that fosters inequalities among states or undermines the welfare of the people.
He urged the Presidency to prioritise public engagement by providing accurate data, which he described as the foundation for meaningful debate on the tax reform bills.
“The Presidency must fulfil its duty to present all available data to the public. Transparency is key to fostering trust and ensuring the proposed reforms are beneficial to all Nigerians,” Dasuki concluded.