The House of Representatives on Wednesday commenced debates on four tax reform bills submitted to the National Assembly in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
The bills, slated for a second reading in the Green Chamber, come six months after their submission, following the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
The proposed legislation includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
These bills have generated widespread controversy, facing sharp criticism and resistance from various quarters, including northern governors and opposition politicians, who called for their withdrawal from the National Assembly.
During Wednesday’s plenary, several lawmakers expressed support for the bills.
However, lawmaker Sada Soli raised concerns, suggesting that certain sections of the proposed legislation might conflict with the 1999 Constitution.
He emphasized the need for clarity on the issue of derivation to prevent any ambiguity.
Soli expressed confidence that the committee tasked with reviewing the bills would address potential challenges before their passage.
Other lawmakers highlighted the bills’ attempt to amend 40 existing acts, calling for these acts to be presented to Parliament for review.
They also pointed out concerns about provisions related to multiple taxation during property transactions, where both the buyer and seller are required to pay taxes.
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