Tax Reform Bills Will Be Passed and Are Not ‘Dead on Arrival,’ Assures Jibrin

Hon. Jibrin expresses confidence that the proposed tax reform bills will be successfully passed, countering claims that they are ‘dead on arrival.’ Read more on his vision for tax reforms and their potential impact on Nigeria’s economy.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the National Assembly, has voiced his confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s contentious tax reform bills will be enacted into law.

The bills have sparked considerable controversy, facing opposition from the northern region of the country. Additionally, the National Executive Council has recommended that the president withdraw them.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, stated that the bills are doomed from the start.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Jibrin, the representative for Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, emphasized that the bills are not doomed from the start. He clarified that the North does not oppose them.

“The North has not reached a consensus on shutting down this bill. Speaking for myself and based on my understanding of the National Assembly’s procedural approach to passing bills, I can authoritatively say that the bill is not ‘dead on arrival,’” Jibrin stated during the program.

I can assure you that many clauses in these bills have been long-standing goals for us. I am confident in saying that we will thoroughly review each clause so Nigerians can understand them fully. The bill is set to undergo the necessary processes within the National Assembly and, ultimately, it will be passed.

READ ALSO: HURIWA Urges Northern Leaders to Support Tax Reform Bills Beyond Ethnic Interests

According to Jibrin, once the bills are passed, Nigerians will see that they do not harm the country’s interests or those of its northern region.

Amid the controversy surrounding the tax reform bills, President Tinubu stated last week that the document would not be retracted from the National Assembly.

In a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu clarified that the bills should proceed through the legislative process.

President Bola Tinubu “received a recommendation from the National Economic Council to withdraw the tax reform bills already submitted to the National Assembly for additional consultation.”

The Nigerian leader also praised the members of the National Economic Council, particularly Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 state governors, for their guidance.

He believes that since the legislative process has already commenced, it offers a chance for input and necessary amendments without needing to withdraw the bills from the National Assembly.

President Tinubu encourages the NEC to let the process unfold completely and is open to further consultations and discussions with key stakeholders. This approach aims to address any concerns about the bills as they are being considered for passage by the National Assembly.

According to the statement, President Tinubu’s establishment of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023 aimed solely at enhancing economic productivity and efficiency while creating a more favorable environment for investment and businesses. This goal is now more crucial than ever.