Tax Bills: FG Expresses Concerns Over Misinformation, Fake News
…Says, Tinubu always act in the interest of Nigerians
The Federal Government on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, expressed concerns, saying that a lot of misinformation and fake news were circulating around the tax bills and the overall reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
This was as it declared that the fiscal reforms will not impoverish any State or region of the country, neither will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies.
It said that instead, they will bring relief to tens of millions of hardworking Nigerians across the country and empower and position of the States and the 774 Local Governments for sustainable growth and development.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, who stated the position of the government, however commended and welcomed what he described as the robust nationwide debate on the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
Idris said that it was very inspiring to see Nigerians from all walks of life coming out to express their views and opinions of these matters of critical national importance. This is the very essence and meaning of democracy.
The minister called on all commentators and groups to keep up the spirit of informed engagement, and to strive to be respectful and understanding at all times despite the diversity of opinions.
He said; “In the spirit of democratic engagement, there should be no room for name-calling, or for the injection of unnecessary ethnic and regional slurs into this important national conversation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing an ambitious fiscal reform agenda that will devolve more resources to Nigeria’s State and Local Governments, and ultimately to the Nigerian people, in the spirit of harnessing democracy that works for the people,” he said.
Idris particularly said that the government has nothing sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed, adding that in line with the established legislative procedure, the Federal General welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill.
Towards this end, Idris said that President Tinubu has already directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials who worked on the drafts to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns are addressed before the bills are passed.
In the words of Idris; “We are indeed witnessing, at this moment in the history of Nigeria, the most far-reaching, impactful and beneficial set of fiscal reforms that Nigeria has seen in decades.
“In addition to the four tax bills being debated and deliberated upon, there is also the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, which will significantly empower the tier of government that is closest to the Nigerian people.
“In all, these reforms will not only facilitate increased revenues (without imposing additional tax burdens on the people), they will also make it possible for citizens to demand and enjoy greater accountability in the management of public resources at all levels of government,” Idris assured.
The Information Minister said President Tinubu and the administration will continue to champion policies that close the loopholes and gaps through which Nigeria’s valuable public resources have been frittered away for decades.
Idris further said; “On top of this necessary foundation, the resources being conserved and realized from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure (healthcare, education, transportation, digital technology, etc) and in social investments that will benefit all Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind. This is the promise and the reality of the Renewed Hope agenda”.
