A dramatic showdown is unfolding in Nigeria’s National Assembly as some governors threaten to deny federal lawmakers re-election tickets in 2027 if they support President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.

According to Philip Agbese, deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, these governors are holding meetings to pressure lawmakers into withdrawing their support.

However, Agbese remains resolute, stating that lawmakers will not back down as long as the bills aim to revamp the economy. He emphasized that the 10th National Assembly members are a different breed, intellectually sound, progressive-minded, and pro-Nigeria.

Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, reassures that the proposed tax reform bills are not designed to undermine any region. Instead, they aim to ensure efficiency and allocate more revenue to states where goods and services are consumed.

The tax reform bills, transmitted by Tinubu on September 3, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Nigeria’s 36 governors have demanded the withdrawal of these executive bills, citing the need for more consultation and public input.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, promises diligent scrutiny of the bills, ensuring they serve the national interest. The House will engage with Oyedele and other tax experts to make informed decisions.

As Nigeria struggles with a tax-to-GDP ratio of just six percent, far below the global average, these reforms are crucial for sustainable economic growth and development.

The proposed tax reform bills aim to diversify revenue, promote equity, and foster an enabling environment for investment and innovation.

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