Senator Ndume raises concerns over the hasty passage of tax reform bills in the Nigerian Senate, calling for transparency and thorough deliberation.
Senator Ali Ndume has once again expressed his opposition to the tax reform bills, suggesting that the urgency shown by the Presidency and certain lawmakers in pushing these bills through appears questionable.
The tax reform bills that cleared their second reading in the Senate on Thursday have sparked significant controversy since President Bola Tinubu submitted them to the National Assembly. Ndume has been among those leading the strongest opposition against these bills.
The National Economic Council also recommended that President Tinubu retract the bills, but he expressed his preference for allowing them to undergo the established processes.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the Senate representative for Borno South reiterated his stance and emphasized that it would be more beneficial for the Presidency to heed the National Economic Council’s advice and withdraw the bill.
“I’m not entirely suggesting that we discard everything, but since our leaders—the governors and the National Economic Council—along with many others have indicated that we shouldn’t abandon the bills altogether. Instead, they suggest withdrawing them for further consultation before reintroducing them. Their rush is quite suspicious,” Ndume remarked.
Supporting his assertion that there is a haste to approve the tax reform bills, Ndume cited the example of the Petrol Industry Bill. He argued that it holds greater importance than the tax bill and noted that it took years before being passed.
He remembered that the PIB was presented to the National Assembly during his time in the House of Representatives, but it wasn’t passed until several years later after he had transitioned to the Senate.
READ ALSO: Senator Ndume Joins Northern Leaders in Rejecting Tax Increases
The Senator expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the tax reform bills, stating that such legislation should not be introduced when Nigerians are facing economic hardships.
He explained that the opposition to the bills from himself and others isn’t due to a reluctance to pay taxes, but rather concerns about poor timing.
“I believe the timing is inappropriate as Nigerians are currently facing hardships. Historically, our forefathers paid taxes and we continue to pay them in the North today—it’s not a matter of avoiding it. Every responsible Nigerian understands the importance of paying taxes; however, this just isn’t the right time,” he remarked.
Ndume believes the ideal time to introduce the bills is “when there is no hunger, and individuals are living comfortably rather than merely surviving.”
The lawmaker compared the tax reform bills to offering something with one hand and taking it back with the other.
Ndume stated that he opposes the bills not to harm President Tinubu, as some have suggested, but because he does not want Tinubu to fail.
On October 3, President Bola submitted the contentious four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for review.
On Thursday, the Senate passed the four tax bills for a second reading through voice votes.
The Senate has approved the second reading of a bill aimed at establishing the Joint Revenue Board, Tax Appeal Tribunal, and Office of the Tax Ombud as components of Tinubu’s comprehensive tax reform package.
The proposed legislation aims to align, organize, and address disputes related to revenue administration in Nigeria.
