News

House softens stance on Tax Reform Bills

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

Charles Flames

394 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

Up Next

House rejigs standing Committees, honours Murtala Mohammed

Don't Miss

Rumbling in PDP deepens

Click to comment

News

Police hunt for abductors of Ebonyi ex-deputy Governor’s Father

Eyewitnesses said that armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.

Published

5 hours ago

March 1, 2026

OCHEFA

15 Views

The Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State has confirmed the abduction of Francis Igwe, father of former Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe.

He was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday morning while on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike community.

Eyewitnesses said that armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.

The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, confirmed the incident, noting that local authorities are working closely with security agencies to facilitate his rescue.

Also confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives have intensified efforts to ensure the victim’s safe return.

News

A Lagos Drug Kingpin Ends Up in NDLEA Net After 13 Years in Hiding

Reacting to the eventual arrest of Chidiebere after 13 years on the run, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), said that the agency remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks and bringing all offenders to justice.

Published

7 hours ago

March 1, 2026

OCHEFA

10 Views

Photo credit: NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Reginald Peter Chidiebere after 13 years in hiding.

Femi Babafemi , Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.

The drugs kingpin was caught by the operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.

The drug lord was first arrested in 2013 over the shipment of cocaine into Nigeria and was subsequently arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court Lagos in charge no. FHC/L/187c/2923.

He however jumped bail and went into hiding after the trial judge granted him bail in 2013 and has since remained at large.

In February 2024, his name featured prominently as one of the masterminds of the shipment of 49.70 kilograms heroin imported from South Africa following the interception of the consignment by NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Lagos airport.

A follow-up operation was carried out on 19th February 2024 at his Golden Platinum Hotel & Suites, located at No. 16/18 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos where an additional 2.20 kilograms of heroin was recovered from one of his guests, Igbuanugo Ebuka ThankGod.

As a result, Chidiebere went underground.

The agency however secured the interim forfeiture of his hotel and blocked all bank accounts traced to him since 2024.
Following these developments, Chidiebere could no longer sustain himself in hiding, prompting his surrender to the agency on 13th February 2026 and has since been taken into custody to face his pending charges for which he jumped bail in 2013 and fresh charges based on the 2024 heroin consignments linked to him.

“I commend our officers and men for their persistence and professionalism in this operation”, he added.

News

Governor Nwifuru Suspends Commissioners of Work and Infrastructure

The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

OCHEFA

21 Views

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved the indefinite suspension of the State Commissioner for Work, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara, over alleged dereliction of duties.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, the suspension takes immediate effect.

The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.

No further details were provided regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the suspension.