The House of Representatives party caucuses are set to meet on Saturday, November 30, 2024, to continue discussions on the four tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu. These bills, aimed at overhauling the nation’s tax system, are expected to take center stage in the upcoming plenary session scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

In an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, Deputy House spokesman, Mr. Philip Agbese, confirmed that both party and state caucuses would gather ahead of the legislative chamber’s resumption. The primary goal of these meetings is to ensure that lawmakers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory gain a thorough understanding of the proposed reforms, which will help facilitate informed discussions during the plenary session.

The four bills—presented to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024—are designed to address key issues in Nigeria’s taxation system. They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which aims to establish a solid fiscal framework, and the Tax Administration Bill, designed to streamline legal processes and reduce disputes. Also included is the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which seeks to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service with a new body, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which proposes the creation of a tax tribunal and ombudsman.

ALSO READ: Reps Set to Consult Experts on Tax Reform Bills

Despite these significant proposals, the bills have encountered strong opposition from state governors, who have called for further consultations before moving forward. This has delayed their discussion in the House, as evidenced by the absence of the bills from the Order Paper during the executive session on November 28, 2024.

Agbese emphasized that the ongoing consultations are crucial for building broad consensus. “Support and opposition to the bills transcend party lines. These discussions are not just political; they are about shaping the future of our economy,” Agbese remarked. He added that a recent session with tax experts had helped to sway many lawmakers who were initially skeptical about the reforms.

Furthermore, opposition member Mr. Oluwole Oke, representing the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, expressed his support for advancing the bills to a second reading. He encouraged his colleagues to allow for public hearings, where Nigerians can voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the final framework. “I am for the bills because they are in the interest of the nation,” Oke stated, emphasizing the importance of building consensus among lawmakers.