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The Nigerian House of Reps approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial bill( the tax reform bill) tax reform bills on today after months of debates.
This decision follows intense scrutiny and objections from various stakeholders, which have highlighted the contentious nature of the proposed legislation aimed at overhauling the nation’s tax system.
Presidential spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a statement through his official X account on Thursday.
Dare’s announcement serves as a formal recognition of significant legislative progress amidst the ongoing national debate surrounding tax policies.
Dare, without providing details, said that the bills were passed by the Green Chamber on Thursday after months of debate.
The extended discussions reflect the complexities involved in reforming Nigeria’s tax framework, particularly concerning revenue generation and economic equity.
“Tax reform bills have been approved by Nigeria’s House of Representatives today in Abuja. Today, March 13, 2025,” he said.
The passage of these bills marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s approach to taxation, which has faced criticism for its inefficiencies and lack of inclusivity.
This comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Tinubu’s tax reform bills in recent months.
Opposition to the reforms has stemmed from various facets of society, illustrating the divisive nature of tax policy in Nigeria.
First, the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum rejected the Tinubu’s controversial bill ( the tax reform bill ), particularly the proposed value-added tax derivation model in the Nigeria Tax Bill.
Critics argue that the proposed changes disproportionately affect certain regions, raising concerns about equitable distribution of tax revenues across the nation.
The National Economic Council also opposed the tax derivation model.
This opposition underscores broader apprehensions regarding how the reforms might impact regional economies, especially in a country where regional disparities are stark.
Recall that on October 3, 2024, Tinubu sent four tax reform bills—including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—to the National Assembly.
These bills were intended to streamline tax collection and administration but have since ignited fierce debates about their implications for governance and fiscal responsibility in Nigeria.