The House of Representatives has passed four tax reform bills for a third reading, pushing forward efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system.
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The four bills, first submitted to the National Assembly in October 2024, have undergone extensive scrutiny by the House Committee on Finance. Lawmakers approved the committee’s report during Thursday’s plenary session, incorporating feedback from Nigerian citizens.
The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, had in January emphasized that the primary focus of the House for the year was the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills. Speaking through his spokesperson, Kalu, he stated, “The legislative agenda of the House for 2025 prioritizes the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills, both of which are pivotal to economic recovery and fiscal stability.”
He further highlighted the significance of the reforms, adding, “These reforms are essential for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing dependency on external borrowing.”
However, the reforms have sparked opposition from groups such as Northern Leaders and the Nigeria Governors Forum, who have raised concerns over certain provisions of the legislation.