A federal lawmaker from Bauchi State, Mansur Soro, has raised concerns about the transmission of tax reform bills to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in September 2024. Soro claims the process bypassed established procedures, sparking opposition from various quarters, including the 36 state governors.
Background on the Tax Reform Bills
On September 3, 2024, President Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, following the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms. The bills aim to address fiscal challenges and streamline tax administration. However, the move has met resistance, particularly from state governors, who argue for broader consultations before proceeding.
Governors Demand Broader Consultation
The 36 governors have requested the withdrawal of the bills to allow more comprehensive discussions. The House of Representatives, anticipating debates next week, is expanding consultations to navigate the growing tensions.
Lawmaker’s Criticism of the Process
Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the bills. Drawing comparisons with past legislative practices, he highlighted that previous finance-related bills, such as the 2020 Finance Act, underwent approval by the National Economic Council (NEC) before reaching the National Assembly.
He stated, “In the 9th Assembly, we ensured that sub-nationals had a voice through NEC’s input before passing related bills. Skipping NEC this time has created unnecessary friction and suspicion.”
Potential Risks of Overlooking Due Process
Soro warned that bypassing NEC could jeopardize the proposed reforms. He emphasized, “The lack of consultation with NEC has fueled doubts that may hinder the bills’ successful implementation. To avoid losing the critical provisions within these reforms, the President should recall the bills and engage NEC fully.”
Conclusion: Calls for Collaboration
As the National Assembly prepares for plenary debates, stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive approach to ensure the reforms address Nigeria’s economic challenges without alienating key players. Mansur Soro’s stance underscores the importance of adherence to due process in fostering trust and cooperation among federal and state authorities.
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