Rep Agbese drums support for tax reform bills

Rep Agbese drums support for tax reform bills

Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese (APC, Benue) has said that Nigerians will appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the tax  reforms intended to stimulate the nation’s fiscal policy as captured in four tax bills currently before the National Assembly for consideration.

The four executive bills have since pitched the 36 State Governors and northern leaders against the Federal Government, with the former calling for the withdrawal of the bills to create room for more consultation.

Although some governors are said to be shifting their rigid position on the matter, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum asked his Northern colleagues to reject the bills, insisting that if implemented, the bills will damage the region’s economy.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday, Agbese lauded the FIRS leadership under Zach Adedeji and the Presidential committee on tax reform for thinking creatively and championing reforms to improve the nation’s revenue through effective tax administration. He said, “What FIRS has done in the past few years is commendable. Under the stewardship of Mr. Adedeji, the agency has been surpassing its revenue target. Do not forget that the FIRS collected a record N12.374 trillion in 2023, which was 10.7% higher than its target of N10.7 trillion.

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“Nigerians will appreciate this man very soon because when these bills are passed and the Federal Government has more money to spend, critical infrastructure will be developed. Jobs will be created and to a great extent, poverty will be reduced.