In response, Agbese emphasized that the House of Representatives remains resolute, with lawmakers committed to supporting reforms that are in the best interest of the country. “We were elected by our constituents, not by the governors, and we will stand by legislation that benefits the Nigerian people,” he stated, underscoring the House’s determination to support President Tinubu’s efforts to rejuvenate the country’s economy.
The tax reform bills, which were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on September 3, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aimed at providing a fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which seeks to reduce disputes and provide a clearer legal framework for taxes. Other bills include the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which proposes the creation of a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
While the bills have been backed by experts and the executive, Nigeria’s 36 governors have called for a withdrawal of the bills, citing the need for further consultation and public input. However, President Tinubu has rejected the governors’ advice, asserting that amendments can be made during the legislative process.
Agbese noted that the House would engage with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, and other tax specialists to better understand the proposals. This consultation will help ensure that lawmakers are fully informed when they review and debate the bills. “We are intellectually sound, progressive-minded, and pro-Nigeria. We will support President Tinubu’s economic reboot plan unequivocally,” Agbese stated.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has reinforced this stance, stressing that the House will prioritize national interest over political pressures. “We are united across party lines to make sure the country works,” Agbese added, quoting Isaiah 54:15 to emphasize that no amount of external pressure will deter the House from its commitment to national development.
In preparation for the upcoming plenary, the leadership of the House has distributed copies of the bills to all lawmakers to allow them to study and provide input before they are brought up for debate. “We are engaging experts, and we’ve made copies of the bills available to every lawmaker. We are confident that these bills will pass, but we are open to amendments where necessary,” Agbese concluded.
Despite the pressure from the governors, the House remains determined to push forward with the bills, which are seen as crucial for reforming Nigeria’s tax system and boosting the national economy.
