The House of Representatives has entered into a closed-door session to deliberate on the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The ongoing meeting is designed to foster a consensus among lawmakers as they prepare for the upcoming debate on the bills. The session is crucial in addressing any concerns or opposition that may arise during the discussion of the proposed reforms.

A lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC) revealed that the closed-door session is intended to ease tensions and encourage support for the bills ahead of the formal debate. While not all lawmakers are fully convinced about the content of the bills, there is a general recognition that the government’s intent is to improve the nation’s economy. The aim of the session is to garner enough backing for the tax reforms, which are viewed as pivotal to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal policies.

The Tax Reform Bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, are part of the government’s ongoing effort to overhaul the country’s tax system. These proposed reforms are based on the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led tax reforms committee and are designed to modernize and simplify Nigeria’s tax structure.

The four key bills under discussion include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which sets the fiscal framework for taxation in the country. This bill outlines the broader principles and rules governing tax collection and administration. Another crucial bill is the Tax Administration Bill, which aims to streamline the legal framework for tax collection, reduce disputes, and ensure greater efficiency in tax administration.

Additionally, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill seeks to repeal the existing Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service, a new body that would take on a more comprehensive role in managing the country’s revenue collection. The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill is also part of the package, and it proposes the creation of a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman, both of which would provide greater accountability and resolve tax-related disputes.

These bills are considered critical for improving Nigeria’s tax system, increasing revenue generation, and ensuring a more transparent and efficient approach to taxation. However, lawmakers’ deliberations are expected to focus on the finer details of the proposed changes, with the aim of ensuring that the reforms align with the best interests of the economy and the welfare of Nigerian citizens. The outcome of these discussions will shape the direction of the country’s tax policies for years to come.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retd), has cautioned the northern part of the country against tearing Nigeria apart.

Gowon, who spoke while hosting a delegation from the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja, urged northern elites to prioritize the collective interest of Nigeria over narrow regional concerns.

The former Head of State’s warning comes amid growing agitation for power to return to the North, barely a year after President Bola Tinubu took office.

Ekwutosblog learnt that Northerners have been citing marginalization even though former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, served for eight years, leaving the country in a deplorable state in 2023.

Gowon on Wednesday called for the North to foster unity and collaboration across Nigeria’s diverse regions, rather than pursuing narrow regional interests. He also reflected on his time as Head of State, noting the challenges of maintaining national unity amid regional tensions and secession threats during his administration.

The elder statesman expressed concern over the current challenges facing northern Nigeria, including insecurity, disunity, and social issues like poverty and drug addiction. He commended the efforts of the LND to address these issues and promote unity in the north and across Nigeria.

Gowon’s stance is similar to a recent submission of former presidential spokesperson Doyin Okupe, who, in an interview, said, “Tinubu or the south must have another four years before power returns to the north.”

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France, with both sides seeking increased economic cooperation and Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.