Reps panel walks out Mele Kyari from tax reform hearing for failing to submit presentation

Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, was unexpectedly shown the door on Wednesday by the house of representatives committee on finance during a public hearing on the tax reform bills.

At the public hearing, James Faleke, the committee chairman, invited NNPC to deliver its presentation.

Kyari stepped forward, ascended the podium, and began to address the gathering.

But his address was cut short when Faleke interrupted, asking if he had submitted his proposal to the committee.

Kyari responded, clarifying that amendments had been made to his memorandum, assuring the committee that the updated document would be submitted later.

He attempted to continue his presentation, but his explanation was rejected by Faleke who said the NNPC boss can make his presentation on Thursday or Friday when his proposal is ready — leaving no room for negotiation.

With his presentation abruptly halted, Kyari stepped down from the podium and exited the venue.

Before the commencement of the public hearing, Faleke said proposals should be submitted to the committee before representatives of any organisation proceeds to address the audience.

The four bills—the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, and the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill — have scaled the second reading at the senate and house of representatives.

The senate held a public hearing on the bills on Monday and Tuesday.

The green chamber began its public hearing on Wednesday and will run until Friday.