Atiku Urges Transparency in Tax Reform Debate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has called on lawmakers to ensure a transparent and inclusive public hearing process for President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills. His statement comes amid widespread criticism of the bills, with some Nigerians alleging they favor specific regions over others.

Atiku Abubakar addressed the issue via his official X handle on Sunday, emphasizing the need for fairness in Nigeria’s fiscal system. The tax reform bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday. The Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa, has been tasked with conducting a public hearing, with input expected from the National Economic Council (NEC), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Civil Society Organisations.

Atiku Abubakar urged for Transparent Public Hearing Process

Atiku Abubakar stressed the importance of an open and transparent public hearing, calling on lawmakers to facilitate inclusive participation from diverse stakeholders. He highlighted that these stakeholders should include Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, public officials, and experts.

In his statement, Atiku remarked, “The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders… Transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making.” He also urged lawmakers to revisit and disclose the NEC’s resolutions on the tax bills, asserting that these deliberations should guide the legislative process to ensure the bills align with the interests of all Nigerians

Constitutional Considerations and Economic Implications

The former vice president Atiku Abubakar emphasized the need to align the bills’ contents with the broader national interest. He urged lawmakers to revisit and publicize the National Economic Council’s resolutions, underlining the constitutional mandate of this critical advisory body in shaping economic policy.

Atiku Abubakar’s statement strategically avoids taking a definitive stance on the bills themselves, instead focusing on the procedural integrity of their development. This approach underscores the importance of transparent, inclusive policy-making that considers the economic welfare of all federat

Mixed Reactions to the Tax Bills

The tax reform bills have drawn polarized reactions from Nigerians. Critics argue that the proposed reforms could exacerbate regional inequalities, favoring wealthier states at the expense of others. However, proponents counter that many criticisms stem from misinformation, with detractors often uninformed about the bills’ provisions.

Atiku Abubakar refrained from explicitly endorsing or opposing the bills, instead focusing on the need for equity in Nigeria’s fiscal policies. He underscored that Nigerians desire a system that promotes justice and balanced development across the federation, warning against measures that could deepen existing disparities.

Next Steps for the Tax Reform Bills

While the bills have advanced in the Senate, they have yet to reach the same stage in the House of Representatives. The legislative process requires both chambers to conduct public hearings—either jointly or separately—before final deliberations. No dates have been announced for these hearings.

Afterward, the Senate and House committees will present their recommendations to their respective chambers. The final decision will be made at the Committee of the Whole, where lawmakers will debate and consider the clauses of the bills. Atiku Abubakar urged legislators to prioritize the interests of the majority of Nigerians in their final decisions, highlighting that transparency and fairness should be at the heart of the reforms.