Lawmaker raises concerns over tax reform bill, calls for amendments

By Bayero Ade

Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC–Borno) has expressed reservations about certain provisions in the Tax Reform Bill, calling for necessary amendments before it is passed into law.

According to Top newspaper, Speaking in an interview on Wednesday after the House of Representatives approved the bill for a second reading in Abuja, Jaha particularly criticized a clause that grants the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) the powers of the board chairman.

Describing the provision as problematic, he argued that it gives the CEO excessive authority, effectively making the officer both judge and jury in their own case.

“The provision allowing the NRS CEO to also serve as Board Chairman is unfair and improper. As the saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Jaha stated. “You cannot be both CEO and Board Chairman. Essentially, you cannot act as judge in your own case whenever the need arises.”

He further explained that lawmakers allowed the bill to pass its second reading based on a commitment from the House Leader that Value Added Tax (VAT) would not be increased within the next two to three years.

“There is no plan to raise VAT. Instead, we all support reforms that will enhance collection efficiency, which is crucial,” Jaha assured.

The lawmaker also criticized Section 141 of the bill, which he said grants it supremacy over other laws once enacted, arguing that such a provision contradicts the Nigerian Constitution, which remains the highest legal authority in the country.

Additionally, Jaha strongly opposed the proposed inheritance tax, stating that it goes against Islamic, Christian, and other religious teachings.

He emphasized that Islamic law specifically outlines inheritance rules and does not permit external interference with a deceased person’s estate.

“Taxing inherited assets violates Islamic and other religious principles, and the status quo should be maintained,” he insisted.

Jaha urged his colleagues to address these contentious issues, including the proposed inheritance tax and the concentration of power in the NRS CEO, to ensure the smooth implementation of the bill when enacted.