Senator Ali Ndume, representing the Borno South Senatorial district, expressed his support for tax reform but urged caution regarding the current bills under consideration.
Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of the proposed reforms, Ndume highlighted two significant issues that necessitate further scrutiny. "The timing of these bills is problematic," Ndume stated, emphasizing that introducing such reforms during a period of negative public perception towards the administration could lead to misunderstandings.
He argued that "as it is today, when you talk about reforms to Nigerians, whether good or bad, they misconceive you."
Furthermore, Ndume identified derivation and the Value Added Tax (VAT) as contentious elements within the bills. He noted that these provisions might contradict constitutional requirements and lack broad acceptance among lawmakers.
"The constitution has to be amended for some of these provisions to be effective," he remarked, suggesting that a constitutional review might be necessary. While Ndume is not opposed to the idea of tax reform, he believes that the current bills should be withdrawn for reevaluation. "We should go with what the governors and the NEC proposed," he advised, advocating for a collaborative approach to refining the legislation.
Despite Ndume's concerns, the tax reform bills, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, successfully passed their second reading in the Senate on November 28, 2024.
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