Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North in Nigeria's upper legislative chamber, has criticized the federal government's handling of the tax reform bills.
In an interview with Arise Television, Kalu highlighted that the government failed to involve key stakeholders such as the National Executive Council, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, and the Council of State in the process.
He stated, "The federal government made a mistake not to have carried the National Executive Council, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, and the Council of State along in its tax reform bills."
Despite the controversy, Kalu described the bills as "very progressive," emphasizing their potential to restore fiscal federalism in Nigeria. However, he noted that many senators had not been briefed on the details, which he considered a major oversight by the bill's initiators.
The tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, were introduced to the National Assembly in October 2024 and recently passed their second reading in the Senate.
The Northern Governor’s Forum and the National Economic Council have called for the withdrawal of these bills, yet economic experts support them, arguing they will enhance Nigeria's revenue. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, previously explained the controversy surrounding the tax bills.
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