Abuja: The Presidency has dismissed allegations that the tax reform bills before the National Assembly are designed to impoverish certain regions. In a statement, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that the bills aim to improve the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians without harming any region’s economy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onanuga stressed that the tax reform bills would not disproportionately benefit Lagos or Rivers states at the expense of other regions. He criticised some commentators for spreading misinformation and attempting to incite public opposition to lawmakers.
He further explained that the bills do not propose the abolition of agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA. Instead, they seek to consolidate earmarked taxes into a single tax that will be shared with these key agencies as beneficiaries.
‘President Bola Tinubu initiated the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms to streamline tax administration, create a more conducive environm
ent for businesses, and address the issue of multiple taxes, which have complicated the economic landscape,’ Onanuga stated.
He urged stakeholders and public analysts to familiarise themselves with the contents of the bills and refrain from misleading the public. Onanuga welcomed the public interest generated by the proposed reforms and encouraged leaders and stakeholders to participate in the Public Hearings organised by the National Assembly to share their views on the bills.