TUC Urges Nigerians to Support Tax Reform Bills Without Politicization

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) appeals to Nigerians to approach tax reform bills with objectivity, emphasizing their potential to boost economic growth. Discover their key points.

On Thursday, Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), advised Nigerians to avoid politicizing the tax reform bills.

On October 3, President Bola Tinubu submitted four bills to the National Assembly for consideration and approval. Since their introduction, these bills have caused a rift between several state governors and the Federal Government. The governors are urging that the bills be withdrawn to allow for further consultation.

The bills include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.584; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 – SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.

Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Osifo stated that the bills are beneficial, emphasizing that any concerns raised regarding them are understandable.

The undertones are clearly present. They began with the Northern Governors Forum, evolved into the General Governors’ Forum, and then progressed to the National Economic Council.

“At this point in our development, we need to be cautious. It’s important not to politicize everything or introduce discussions of tribalism and ethnicity, as I believe this is inappropriate,” he stated.

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At the same time, Senators representing Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone have voiced their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.

The lawmakers associated with the South-South Senators’ Forum emphasized the significance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and promoting economic stability.

In a statement released in Abuja, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the Chairman of the Forum, emphasized that lawmakers are dedicated to thoroughly assessing the bills to ensure they serve national interests and promote the well-being of the South-South region.

They also urged the South-South governors to collaborate with lawmakers in refining the bills for mutual benefit.

The Senators from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States expressed their confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio by passing a vote of praise for his leadership in furthering the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities.

The Forum encouraged stakeholders to refrain from bringing regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue. They advocated for strong interactions and consultations within the legislative process.