News

Ex-Reps Speaker Dogara backs Tax Reform Bills

Ex-Reps Speaker Dogara backs Tax Reform Bills

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged Nigerian governors to contribute constructively to the controversial Tax Reform Bills rather than attempting to block them. Dogara made this appeal during a town hall meeting on the bills, broadcast by Channels Television.

He dismissed claims that the timing of the bills and the alleged lack of consultation with governors were sufficient reasons to halt the reforms.

Dogara prioritised national interest over regional or sectional biases in addressing the country’s challenges.

“When I decided to join this discussion, I received numerous calls pleading with me not to show up,” Dogara revealed. “But I believe leadership demands engagement, even when there are disagreements. We must rise above sectionalism and approach this with a national leadership mindset to solve our problems.”

The former Speaker also criticized governors, particularly from the North, for raising concerns about consultation. He argued that many governors fail to engage stakeholders when enacting laws in their states.

READ ALSO:

“At the state level, how many people do governors consult when making laws? In some cases, these laws are written from their living rooms,” Dogara said. “Should the process stop because governors were not fully engaged? To me, the answer is no.”

Baba Yusuf, Group CEO of Global Investment and Trade Company, emphasized that the proposed tax reforms would benefit the North significantly.

He highlighted that the legal frameworks could address about 70% of the region’s multidimensional poverty. Yusuf also encouraged citizens to review the bills independently rather than relying solely on political leaders.

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, stated that extensive consultations were conducted with major stakeholders, including governors. He noted that most stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the bills.

Oyedele dismissed concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who argued that the reforms might leave Northern states unable to pay minimum wage. “Our analysis and data do not support that fear,” Oyedele said.

The town hall discussion highlighted the need for constructive dialogue and leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the tax reforms, which are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

 

Ex-Reps Speaker Dogara backs Tax Reform Bills

Trends Admin

Recent Posts

NAFDAC uncovers syndicate scamming foreign firms with fake documents

NAFDAC uncovers syndicate scamming foreign firms with fake documents The National Agency for Food and…

16 hours ago

Naira strengthens, gains N29.89 against US dollar

Naira strengthens, gains N29.89 against US dollar The Nigerian Naira closed the week on a…

16 hours ago

EL-Rufai, police clash over ex-commissioner’s arrest

EL-Rufai, police clash over ex-commissioner’s arrest The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned former Kaduna State…

16 hours ago

How to lower fuel consumption of your car

How to lower fuel consumption of your car When President Bola Tinubu announced an end to…

16 hours ago

South African ambassador ‘no longer welcome’ in US, Rubio says

South African ambassador 'no longer welcome' in US, Rubio says The US is expelling South…

16 hours ago

Nasir El-Rufai’s scorched-earth one-man opposition, By Farooq Kperogi

Nasir El-Rufai’s scorched-earth one-man opposition, By Farooq Kperogi Like a stranded mariner gasping on the…

16 hours ago