Tax reform bills not dead on arrival, will be passed– Jibrin

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A member of the National Assembly, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has expressed confidence that the controversial tax reform bills put forward by President Bola Tinubu will be passed into law.

The bills have sparked considerable debate and faced resistance, particularly in the Northern region, with the National Executive Council also advising the president to withdraw them.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, remarked that the bills are “dead on arrival.”

However, speaking on Channels Television’s *Sunday Politics*, Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, firmly stated that the bills are not “dead on arrival” and maintained that the North is not collectively opposed to them.

“It is not a consensus in the North that this bill should be shut down. Speaking for myself and from what I know of the National Assembly’s procedures regarding the passage of bills, I can tell you authoritatively that the bill is not dead on arrival,” Jibrin stated during the programme.

“There are hundreds of clauses in these bills that we have been pursuing for years, and we intend to provide clarity on each clause. I can confidently say that the bill will go through due process in the National Assembly and be passed.”

Jibrin added that, once passed, Nigerians would come to see that the bills are not detrimental to the nation’s interests or those of the North.

Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing controversy, President Tinubu recently indicated that the bills would not be withdrawn from the National Assembly.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasised that the bills should be allowed to follow the legislative process.

President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the tax reform bills be withdrawn for further consultation. However, he expressed appreciation for the advice from NEC members, particularly Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 state governors.

“He believes that the legislative process, which is already underway, offers an opportunity for input and necessary amendments without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.

“While urging the NEC to let the process run its course, President Tinubu welcomes further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any concerns about the bills as the National Assembly considers them for passage.

“When President Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023, his primary objective was to realign the economy for greater productivity and efficiency, creating a more favourable environment for investment and business. This objective remains as essential today as ever,” the statement read.