Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills Pass Second Reading in House of Reps

President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills have passed their second reading in the House of Representatives after a lengthy debate. The four bills—The Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Establishment Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024—are designed to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system.

Despite widespread criticism, Tinubu submitted the bills to the National Assembly in 2024. During the debate, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere addressed concerns, particularly those raised by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), which he said had been resolved. Ihonvbere also highlighted the bills’ benefits, including tax exemptions for low-income earners.

After more than four hours of debate, the bills passed the second reading with a vote led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. The bills were then referred to the House Committee on Finance for further review. The proposed reforms, drafted by the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms and Fiscal Policy, have faced strong opposition, particularly from northern governors who consider them “anti-North.”