Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly to address issues raised about the proposed tax reform bills.
The move follows criticisms suggesting the bills could disproportionately affect the northern region and further burden Nigerians.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified the president’s position, emphasising inclusivity and accountability.
“It is pertinent to state that the government has nothing sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed,” Idris said.
“In line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal Government welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.”
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu has instructed the Justice Ministry and officials who worked on the drafts to collaborate with the National Assembly in addressing genuine concerns.
He commended the robust public discourse surrounding the bills, describing it as the essence of democracy.
“It is very inspiring to see Nigerians from all walks of life coming out to express their views and opinions on these matters of critical national importance,” he said.
The minister urged participants in the debate to avoid ethnic and regional sentiments, calling for constructive engagement.
“There should be no room for name-calling or for the injection of unnecessary ethnic and regional slurs into this important national conversation,” Idris noted.
Addressing allegations that the bills aim to impoverish certain regions, the minister dismissed the claims as “fake news” and “misinformation.”
“The fiscal reforms will not impoverish any state or region of the country, neither will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies,” he added.