The Kano State Government has cautioned against breach of the Federal Character principle enshrined in the Constitution as the National Assembly considers the tax reform bills.
Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, speaking on behalf of Kano people, argued that the proposal to appoint six persons representing the six geopolitical zones of the country would deny the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory the opportunity to be represented on the proposed National Revenue Service Board (NRSB).
Yadudu also questioned the legality of establishing revenue service boards for states and local councils, contending that it’s not acceptable in Islam to impose tax on properties inherited by Muslims from their deceased parents and relatives. The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) called for the postponement of technology-driven tax collection measures, saying Nigeria is not yet ready for such an overhaul.
Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, was walked out of the public hearing for failing to submit his amended presentation. The NLNG expressed support for the tax bill but stressed the need to consider exports from Nigeria zero-rated to remain competitive globally.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, decried Nigeria’s six per cent tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio, which is far below the global average and the World Bank’s minimum benchmark of 15 per cent for sustainable development.