The Nigerian House of Representatives has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform bills after months of intense debate and controversy. Presidential spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, announced the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday.
Dare stated, “Tax reform bills have been approved by Nigeria’s House of Representatives today in Abuja. Today, March 13, 2025.” However, he did not provide specific details about the bills or the voting process.
The approval comes amid ongoing disputes over the proposed tax reforms, which have faced significant opposition from various quarters. The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum had earlier rejected the bills, particularly criticizing the proposed value-added tax (VAT) derivation model in the Nigeria Tax Bill. Similarly, the National Economic Council (NEC) expressed reservations about the tax derivation model, further complicating the legislative process.
President Tinubu initially submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024. These included the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, enhance revenue generation, and improve tax administration.
Despite the controversies, the House of Representatives’ approval marks a significant step forward for the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda. The bills will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration and potential passage.
The tax reform initiative has sparked widespread debate, with proponents arguing that it will boost economic growth and improve governance, while critics fear it could exacerbate regional disparities and increase the tax burden on citizens. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments to assess the potential impact of the reforms on Nigeria’s economy and fiscal policies.
