Uzodimma Encourages Nigerians to Study Tax Reform Bills Carefully

Governor Hope Uzodimma advises Nigerians to take the time to understand the proposed tax reform bills, emphasizing their impact on national development. Read his full statement.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged prudence regarding the Tax Reform Bills, advising Nigerians to thoroughly understand their content before forming any opinions.

The submission of the bills to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu has sparked intense discussions among Nigerians.

The northern region has been the most outspoken in criticizing the bills, leading to conflicts between some governors and lawmakers with the Federal Government.

However, during his address at the Government House in Owerri, Imo State on Thursday, Uzodimma stated that some opponents of the bills have not thoroughly examined their provisions.

The governor stated, “Many of those criticizing the bills haven’t taken the time to study them and understand their merits or drawbacks.”

I urge everyone to take the time to review and study the bills, identifying any areas they find undesirable so we can offer constructive criticism. Otherwise, it seems to be an economic bill aimed at increasing government revenue while harmonizing our tax system and introducing prudence and decorum into the country’s taxation regime.

Controversy persists over the introduction of these bills. Critics, particularly from the country’s northern region, argue that they are designed to undermine their area. Others suggest this initiative could push more Nigerians into poverty—an outcome Uzodimma insists should not occur.

I believe that people should avoid letting politics or blackmail influence their views on the bills. Instead, they should examine and review the bills thoroughly before deciding whether to criticize or support them.

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“The Imo governor stated that the document is well-crafted and warrants proper attention, especially since it is an executive bill from the president and should not be trivialized.”

He stated that once passed, the bills would address several taxation issues.

Uzodimma, the chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, stated that one goal of this bill is to create a unified system allowing various types of taxes to be paid through a single portal.

In my view, it’s a sophisticated approach to reducing taxes globally. If there are certain taxes that might not sit well with the public, let’s identify which ones they are. Then we can discuss and collaborate to find a solution.

The bills have already moved past the second reading in the Senate. Additionally, lawmakers established a committee to review them with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Despite requests for their withdrawal, Senate President Godswill Akpabio maintained that the lawmakers will not be intimidated.

He stated that the bills have not been withdrawn, despite rumors circulating in certain areas.

“We have neither suspended nor withdrawn discussions on the tax reform bills. Attempts to intimidate the Senate are undemocratic,” he stated. “These bills originate from executive communications, and only the executive branch has the authority to withdraw them. We remain committed to fulfilling our legislative duties.”