Africa
Politics
Nigeria
Deputy Senate President Barau Says Many, Including Lawmakers, Lack Clarity on Tax Reform Bills
Chinedu Bruce
Dec 1, 2024
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has revealed that many people, including lawmakers, lack understanding of the tax reform bills currently being debated.
The controversial bills, sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in September, have sparked significant backlash, particularly in Northern Nigeria, with critics arguing they could worsen economic hardships in the region.
Northern governors, traditional leaders, and various groups have rejected the bills, warning they could make it harder for states to pay salaries and worsen economic conditions nationwide. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State voiced concerns over the urgency with which the National Assembly is handling the bills.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Jibrin defended the process, explaining that the bills’ second reading was necessary to allow public input.
He stated, “Because of the contents of the bills, we decided to invite experts or the people who developed them on behalf of the President to explain to us... The second reading is done so that the public can have room to pass their comments on it.”
Read: Northern Senators debated Tax Reform Bills aimed at easing tax burdens
Addressing criticism over the process, Jibrin clarified that it follows standard legislative procedure, ensuring committees review the bills after the second reading to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Regarding concerns about potential hardship, he added, “Nobody will do something that will have a negative impact on his people... Majority of people don’t even know the contents therein, even some of our lawmakers. ”
He assured Nigerians that expert input and public contributions would shape the outcome, emphasizing that the process has only just begun.
