Lawmakers from the Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives have thrown their support behind President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills. However, they emphasized the importance of hearing from Nigerians to ensure the reforms work for everyone.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the caucus leader, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, described the proposed reforms as a positive step toward fixing Nigeria’s financial issues. He assured that the House is open to public dialogue and contributions.
The bills under consideration include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Bill 2024, and Nigeria Revenue Service Bill 2024. These proposals aim to modernize the tax system, improve revenue collection, and boost the economy.
Hon. Fredrick Agbedi from Bayelsa State said lawmakers are ready to work with their constituents and consider their views. “This is just the beginning. The bills will go through proper legislative processes, including public hearings, where everyone can share their opinions,” he explained.
He added that the goal is to create tax laws that benefit all Nigerians, not just a specific region or group. “This isn’t about southern or northern interests. It’s about making good laws for the whole country,” Agbedi said.
Hon. Babajimi Benson from Lagos State also stressed that the National Assembly would handle the bills responsibly. “We’ll follow due process, listen to the public, and work together to improve Nigeria’s tax system. At the end of the day, it’s about making Nigeria better for everyone,” he said.
The Southern Caucus’ support signals a commitment to balancing executive proposals with legislative oversight, ensuring the reforms are fair and effective for the nation.
