From Ndubuisi Orji,Abuja
The Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese has expressed support for the four tax reforms bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
Agbese, told journalists that he is optimistic that the bills, if passed into law, will stimulate the country’s economy. According to him, the proposed legislation is crucial for the take off of a new tax administration regime.
Consequently, the lawmaker said he would rally support, within the parliament, for the tax bills, which are pending before the two chambers of the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu, had on September 3, 2024, the President transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration. The proposed legislations include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
However, state governors has kicked against the bills and called on the President to withdraw them. Regardless, President Tinubu has rejected the calls.
Nevertheless, Agbese told journalists that there is no doubt that the bills will stimulate the economy. He called on those opposed to the bills, including state governors, to have a rethink, in the overall interest of the country.
According to him, “I am one of the strongest advocates of President Tinubu’s tax bills because I am a reformer and believe in changes that would better the country. I have studied the document and I’m convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that it will no doubt, help to improve the economy of the nation.
“Those who are afraid are doing so because they fear accountability and transparency. These bills will bring about consciousness to tax-payers and once people become conscious of what they pay to the government and what the government earns; they can be assured that there will be a higher demand for accountability.
“Everyone talks about nations that render social services to their citizens. Those citizens pay their taxes when due. The truth is that in the past few years, many Nigerians have raised the alarm of multiple taxation and this is partly what these proposed reforms intend to address.”