By Miracle Ogunde
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says existing tax laws in the country are outdated and require urgent review to align with global best practices.
He said he believed that the tax review will streamline taxation and address multiple levies stifling businesses.
The deputy speaker explained that the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly aim to boost Nigeria’s revenue base and foster local and foreign investments.
Kalu stated this during the UK-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue meeting with Lord Collins of Highbury, the UK Deputy Leader, House of Lords, and Minister of African Affairs, on Wednesday in London.
“Our tax laws have become obsolete. The reforms aim to harmonise these laws, drive revenue, and support investors who are currently burdened by irregular tax systems,” Kalu said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu.
However, Kalu’s stance contrasts with the view of the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Fiscal Reforms and Tax Policy, Taiwo Oyedele, who stated in December 2024 that the reforms prioritise fixing the economy and fostering shared prosperity over revenue generation.
Four executive bills currently under consideration include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
The Deputy Speaker also outlined the House’s legislative agenda, emphasizing national security, law reforms, economic development, social sector growth, inclusion, foreign policy, and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the importance of amending Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to address critical issues such as women’s participation in politics, state policing, fiscal federalism, and local government autonomy.
While appreciating the UK government for its support in capacity building and institutional development, Kalu called for increased collaboration in areas such as public engagement, technology, automobile manufacturing, and food security.
“The UK can deepen its trade relations with Nigeria, particularly beyond oil and gas, as opportunities abound in green energy, technology, and other sectors,” he said.
Kalu also spoke about his efforts to address security challenges in the South-East region through non-kinetic approaches, including the “Peace in the South-East Project.”
He called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, emphasizing that Kanu is open to peace initiatives aimed at fostering stability in the region.
“Achieving peace in the South-East requires a political approach, including the release of Nnamdi Kanu. His detention is being exploited by criminal elements to justify heinous crimes,” Kalu said.
He revealed that he had personally visited Kanu and discussed peaceful resolutions. According to Kalu, Kanu expressed support for rebuilding the South-East through initiatives such as the recently signed South-East Development Commission.
“The Biafra he seeks is about good roads, hospitals, and schools for our people, not secession. His focus is rebuilding a region ravaged by war,” Kalu added.
Kalu expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a “listening President,” would consider a political resolution to Kanu’s case as part of broader efforts to stabilise the region.
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