Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to revisit and publicly release the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC) regarding the controversial Tax Reform Bills.
The bills, which have sparked widespread debate since being introduced by President Bola Tinubu, passed their second reading in the Senate last week. In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku emphasized the importance of ensuring the bills align with the interests of the majority of Nigerians.
“I urge the National Assembly to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council, a vital body with the constitutional mandate to advise the President on economic matters,” Atiku said. “The NASS must be properly guided and ensure that, in the final analysis, the content of these bills reflects the needs and aspirations of the vast majority of Nigerians.”
Atiku, who has been following the public discourse surrounding the Tax Reform Bills with close interest, echoed the widespread demand for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity across the country.
He warned that the proposed reforms should not deepen the existing imbalance between Nigeria’s federating units, stressing that the fiscal system must not unfairly benefit certain states while penalizing others.
The PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate also called on the House of Representatives to ensure objectivity and transparency during its public hearings on the bills. He urged that the process be inclusive, with participation from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional institutions, policymakers, and subject-matter experts.
“The public hearing must be transparent and inclusive to foster accountability, good governance, and public trust in the policymaking process,” Atiku stated.
NEC’s call for withdrawal
The National Economic Council had previously advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills, citing the need for more consultation and alignment among stakeholders. However, President Tinubu rejected this advice, asserting that the bills should go through the legislative process.
The bills were introduced based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, which was tasked with exploring ways to enhance revenue generation in the country. Despite NEC’s call for withdrawal, Tinubu remains firm on allowing the bills to proceed through the National Assembly.
Concerns over ‘rush’ to pass the bills
Senator Ali Ndume, one of the most vocal critics of the Tax Reform Bills, has expressed concerns over what he sees as a rushed process. Following the Senate’s second reading of the bills, Ndume questioned the urgency with which the government is pushing the reforms, calling for more consultation before proceeding.
“It’s not that I’m saying we should abandon the bills entirely, but there needs to be more consultation,” Ndume said. “The governors, the National Economic Council, and several other stakeholders have advised that the bill should be withdrawn for further consultations. Why the rush? That’s a big question.”
Atiku’s call for transparency and thorough consultation highlights the ongoing debate over the future of the Tax Reform Bills, with significant concerns about their potential impact on Nigeria’s fiscal stability and regional equity.
