Reps will pass tax reform bills with minor modifications, says Agbese

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesman for the house of representatives, says the green chamber is determined to pass the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu with minor amendments.

Speaking to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Agbese said the lawmakers view the four executive bills as catalysts for economic growth.

Tinubu urged the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.

The proposed legislations, which has sparked significant debate in the country, includes the Nigeria tax bill, the tax administration bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill.

Tinubu also seeks to repeal the law establishing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.

On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the proposed bills, arguing that the legislations would harm the region’s interests.

The governors emphasised the need for equitable and fair implementation of national policies and programmes to prevent marginalisation of any geopolitical zone.

In response on October 31, the presidency assured the northern governors that the proposed tax laws would not increase the number of taxes.

Speaking on the issue, Agbese said some governors have threatened to deny lawmakers return tickets for the 2027 elections if they continue to support the bills.

He said no one can prevent representatives from backing initiatives aimed at reviving the country’s economy.

“The difference between the new crops of politicians in the house of representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressively-minded, and pro-Nigeria,” he said.

“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker Tajudeen Abass.

“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents, and as far as the bills will work for those that elected us, we will support it unequivocally, wholeheartedly, and powerfully to ensure that they see the light of the day.”

Agbese said he expects the house of representatives to pass the bills with minor adjustments to refine them with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism.

On November 1, the president said the tax reform bills would not be withdrawn from the national assembly, as recommended by the national economic council (NEC).

On November 17, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, asked the national assembly to reject any attempts to “cheat” the north with the proposed tax reform bills.