Yakubu Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged Nigerians to approach the ongoing debates around the Tax Reform Bills with fairness and objectivity.
Dogara made the remarks during a Special Town Hall on the Tax Reform Bills, which aired on Channels Television on Monday.
A Controversial Proposal
The Tax Reform Bills, sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system but have sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that the bills disproportionately impact certain regions, particularly the North, while others have called for further review and consultation before passage.
Dogara dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the overall benefits of the proposed reforms rather than viewing them through regional, sectional, or religious lenses.
“We should remove the cap of regionalism, sectionalism, and religion and put on the cap of leadership because that is what will resolve the quarrel that we have,” he said.
Concerns Over Timing and Consultation
With inflation exceeding 30% and many Nigerians struggling to afford basic commodities, critics argue that introducing tax reforms at this time is ill-timed. Others have pointed to inadequate consultations on the bills, fueling calls for a more inclusive process.
Dogara, however, contended that such arguments are insufficient grounds to dismiss the reforms outright.
“I think one of the major objections is related to the issue of timing. I’ve heard this from leaders I respect. But in leadership, when you talk about timing in this way, it’s a tragic misconception of the notion of time itself because there’s nothing like the future or the past,” he explained.
A Call for Critical Engagement
Dogara urged Nigerians to critically evaluate the reforms based on their potential to address systemic tax challenges and promote national development rather than succumbing to emotional or regional biases.
His comments add to the growing debate on the Tax Reform Bills, which remain a contentious topic in Nigeria’s socio-political discourse.
