There Is Something Suspicious About Tax Reform Bill- Ali Ndume

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, yesterday faulted the rapid passage of the Tax Reform Bill for second by his colleagues in the Senate.

Ndume had on Wednesday objected to the reading of the Bill on the floor of the Senate as he raised concerns over derivation and the Value Added Tax (VAT), stressing that the two items are “Not something that many of us will agree to.”

Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Senator questioned the urgency of the tax reform bill passage, noting that it took the National Assembly 10 years to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), a crucial piece of legislation at the time, whereas the tax reform bill is being fast-tracked.

He stated that the quick pace of the bill’s passage is suspicious, particularly regarding the role of the Executive.

He asked for a more thorough national consultation before the bill is treated in the National Assembly.

He stressed the need for the federal government to address key issues before pushing the legislation forward.

He also expressed concern over the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) proposal to centralise tax collection, which he warned could be detrimental to the entire system.

Ndume, however, stated that he is not opposed to the bill, but urged that it be withdrawn for further consultations.

He cautioned that if state governors, particularly from the North, do not support the bill, it could lead to significant issues.

Recall that most state governors from the north are opposed to the bill as they see it as an opposition to the economic growth of the region.