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House softens stance on Tax Reform Bills

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

Charles Flames

408 Views

The House of Representatives has softened its stance on the Tax Reform Bills.

Yesterday, after a three-hour generally positive debate by members, the Bills scaled second reading and passed for public hearing.

This is unlike the situation when the Bills were sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Green Chamber in October.

Following opposition from a section of the ruling class, the House exploded in uproar over the Bills, forcing Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to dissolve the House into and Executive session after which all issues on the Bills were kept in ambiance to allow for consultations.

But at the Senate, the Bills were quickly debated and moved to the public hearing stage.

The Bills are the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

The bills were consolidated into one at the House for a seamless debate.

The proposed laws were read for the first time on October 8 but debate by the House was put on hold due to disagreement on the content of the bill, especially by Northern leaders and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Although the House engaged government officials on the benefits of the bills, Speaker Tajudeen asked members to engage in wide consultations with their constituents to pave the way for a robust debate.

Apart from some observations on certain areas of the bills that appeared not in tandem with some sections of the 1999 Constitution and a few other clauses, members unanimously okayed the bills for a second reading.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda said while opposition members supported the spirit behind the bills, some had issues with certain aspects.

Chinda noted that the bills seek to rejig the nation’s tax system for effective revenue generation. He pointed out that for every law, there must be the spirit of the letters.

He said: “We have all agreed that the spirit behind the four bills is good.‘’

But we have issues with some of the letters of the bills. Why we oppose some letters of the bills, we support the spirit and want to assure Nigerians that we will watch those letters and at the appropriate time, we will ensure that the letters are corrected in the interest of Nigerians.

“He advocated a reduction in the Value Added Tax(VAT), saying ‘’It is possible to reduce tax, while efforts should be made to tidy up all areas of conflicts..’’

House Leader Julius Ihonvbere thereafter set the tone for the debate by explaining that the bills were intended to overhaul the country’s outdated tax laws.

Ihonvbere reassured the public that the reforms would benefit ordinary Nigerians without imposing tax burdens on the poor.

While appreciating those who hold opposing views to the bills, he said their views helped strengthen the bills.

The House leader charged members to “be part of history in reforming the tax system to promote revenue growth, increase employment and better the life of ordinary Nigerians.

Minority Whip, Ali Isa commended Speaker Abass for creating an opportunity for members to engage and consult widely on the contentious parts of the bills.

Isa however expressed concern about clause 146 which encourages a gradual increase in VAT from 7.5 percent to 10 percent and later 15 percent.

Related Topics:Featured Reps Tax Reform Bill

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JUST IN: IGP Disu Assigns Portfolios to New DIGs

DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services, DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.

Published

12 hours ago

March 10, 2026

OCHEFA

19 Views

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has assigned the new Deputy Inspectors -General of Police (DIGs) their duties responsibilities.

Sources said that the DIGs were assigned departments based on their areas of competence.

DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services,

DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.

Similarly, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla has been posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID);

DIG Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman to Finance and Accounts; DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie will oversee the Force Intelligence Department (FID); DIG Fayoade Adegoke will head Information and Communication Technology, while DIG Umar Shehu Nadada has been posted to Operations departments.

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Airport Access Gates: FG Approves Cash and FAAN Go Cashless Cards for Payment

The statement also noted that motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.

In addition, other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain available

Published

14 hours ago

March 10, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

The Federal Government has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to accept both cash and electronic payments at airport access gates nationwide, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion.

The directive followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and officials of the FAAN, alongside senior officials of the ministry, on Tuesday.

The move comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of the full cashless payment system at airport access gates following complaints that it had caused traffic gridlocks.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the government has resolved to gradually transition to a fully automated payment system at airport access points.

As part of the interim measures, the ministry announced that a hybrid payment system allowing both cash and card payments will take effect at all airport access gates from March 13, 2026.

The statement also noted that motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.In addition, other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain available

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LASEMA Cautions Social Media Platforms Against Circulating False News

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, made the call today following his visit to a collapsed three-storey school building at Yemco Schools, Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11, Adu Street, Behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos State.

Published

14 hours ago

March 10, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has cautioned news platforms, especially social media against the circulation of misleading information.

He said : “In situations like this, inaccurate reports and exaggerated claims can create unnecessary panic within the public.

“We urge members of the public and media platforms to rely only on verified information released by official government agencies such as LASEMA and other authorized emergency management bodies.

Spreading unverified information during emergencies can hinder response operations and misinform the public.

” First and foremost, I want to reassure the public that this incident did not result in any loss of life.”

He emphasised:” After careful assessment and rescue operations, I can confirm that all individuals within the vicinity of the building were accounted for and no casualties were recorded. Because no lives were lost, we categorize this situation not as a disaster but as an emergency incident, which was quickly managed through coordinated response efforts.”

According to him, emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other first responders were immediately deployed to the scene to conduct a thorough search and safety assessment.

Our emergency teams promptly secured the environment, carried out safety checks, and ensured that there were no trapped victims within the structure.

The safety of residents, students, and staff remains our top priority.

The Lagos State Government remains committed to protecting lives, ensuring rapid emergency response, and maintaining public safety across the state.

We will continue to work with relevant authorities to assess the structural integrity of buildings across Lagos and enforce safety regulations where necessary.

Once again, I want to reassure residents that the situation has been fully contained and there is no cause for alarm.”