The presidency on Monday refuted claims that some sections of the Tax Reform Bills are targeted at impoverishing the northern region of the country.
According to the presidency, changing the funding source of agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the National Agency for Science and Technology Infrastructure does not mean scrapping them.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a statement titled ‘No part of tax reform bills recommends scrapping TETFUND, NASENI and NITDA. No provision will impoverish the North,’ said “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer.
“The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country.
“Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.”
Onanuga warned that although President Bola Tinubu welcomes the public discourse emanating from these bills, arguments must be based on facts so as not to mislead the public.
“Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills,” he added.
Following approval of the Federal Executive Council in October, Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.
The Federal Government says the bills are aimed at overhauling the nation’s tax system.
They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to consolidate existing tax laws, establish clearer frameworks for tax administration, and create bodies like the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman.
