The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has thrown his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, currently awaiting legislative action in the National Assembly. Agbese, a vocal advocate for reform, expressed that his backing of the tax reform measures stems from a need to revitalize the economy and build a tax system free from excessive and overlapping taxation.

President Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, following recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms led by Taiwo Oyedele. The bills seek to update Nigeria’s tax laws comprehensively, starting with the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which aims to provide a clear fiscal framework for national taxation, and the Tax Administration Bill, which proposes a straightforward legal framework to reduce tax-related disputes.

The proposed legislation also includes the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which seeks to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service with a new Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, intended to establish a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

Despite opposition from state governors—who recently called for more consultations on these bills—President Tinubu remains steadfast in moving the reform process forward. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Agbese highlighted the anticipated economic benefits of these reforms and underscored the importance of legislative support to help achieve Tinubu’s vision for a more equitable tax system.

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“I am one of the strongest advocates of President Tinubu’s tax bills because I am a reformer and believe in changes that will benefit the country,” Agbese stated. He emphasized his confidence in the proposed reforms, noting that they would not only benefit Benue State, his home state, but all Nigerians who actively pay their taxes.

Agbese also pointed out that resistance to these reforms often stems from a fear of accountability and transparency. “Once taxpayers understand what they contribute to the government and what the government earns, there will be a greater demand for accountability,” he added, encouraging citizens to see the reforms as an opportunity for a more transparent tax environment.

Addressing the concerns raised by state governors, Agbese urged them to rethink their opposition, noting that issues of over-taxation and gaps in tax compliance affect both the government’s revenue and the broader economy. “We all hear about countries that provide robust social services to their citizens. But those services are supported by prompt tax payments,” he remarked, stressing that this reform could make a significant difference by addressing both multiple taxation complaints and tax evasion issues.

In addition to appealing to state leaders, Agbese highlighted that a substantial portion of the business sector currently exploits these gaps to avoid tax payments, costing the government significant revenue. He expressed hope that, with state-level backing, the reforms would ultimately create a more effective tax system that serves the best interests of Nigeria and its citizens.