By Bayero Ade
Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, has announced that the House will start debating four tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Saturday, Agbese confirmed that lawmakers had reviewed the bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
These bills are designed to establish a clear fiscal and legal framework for tax collection while reducing disputes in tax administration.
“We expect the debate on Tuesday to be thorough, and we anticipate productive discussions that will lead to the passage of these bills,” Agbese stated. He added that many lawmakers, who were initially opposed to the bills, have now shifted their positions and are advocating for their swift consideration and passage.
Agbese emphasized that these bills are crucial for strengthening the country’s fiscal policies. “Once passed, these bills will allow the federal government to generate more revenue, which will be used for infrastructure development, job creation, and ultimately help in reducing poverty. These reforms will benefit all Nigerians, from top business executives to farmers in rural areas,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to support the tax reform bills, stating that the country’s interest must take precedence over individual or sectional interests.
The deputy spokesman also praised President Tinubu for driving the tax reform agenda and noted that Nigeria is moving toward a progressive tax system. “If implemented effectively, these reforms will relieve the burden on poor Nigerians and small businesses, fostering a more balanced tax system,” Agbese added.
He specifically lauded the leadership of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Executive Chairman, Zacchaeus Adedeji, for his creative approach to tax administration. Under his leadership, FIRS exceeded its 2023 revenue target by collecting a record N12.374 trillion, surpassing its target by 10.7%.
Looking to 2024, Agbese noted that FIRS has set a revenue target of N19.41 trillion and had already collected N18.5 trillion by the end of September, demonstrating strong progress.
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