Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural body of Ndigbo, has said the Tax Reform Bills forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will end the regime of double taxation, if passed into law.
The body also called on the federal lawmakers of Igbo extraction to back the initiative by ensuring the passage of the bills.
This was contained in a statement Sunday by the Secretary General of the group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a copy of which was made to one of our correspondents in Abakalilki, Ebonyi state.
It said: “In a resolute declaration of purpose and support for the progressive vision of Nigeria, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, hereby articulates its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reforms Bills. Following diligent reviews, extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, and a meticulous assessment of the salient features of these bills, we have reached an unequivocal conclusion: the proposed reforms hold the promise of catalyzing a robust economic environment conducive to the growth of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the broader Nigerian workforce.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognizes that these tax reforms are poised to dismantle the burdensome specter of double taxation perpetuated by unscrupulous state governors. By fostering a business-friendly atmosphere, these reforms will present an array of attractive opportunities to both foreign and local investors, thereby fortifying the private sector—which includes the enterprising Igbo populace, staunch drivers of Nigeria’s economy through their relentless efforts in SME development and private sector investments.”
“It is within this framework that Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphatically calls upon all Southern Federal Lawmakers, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to rally with unity and purpose behind President Tinubu’s ongoing restructuring initiatives. The time has come for our Southern legislators to coalesce and present a formidable front in ensuring the successful passage of these Tax Reforms Bills through both chambers of the National Assembly.
“In this moment of significant political and economic potential, Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends its unwavering support to all Southeast Federal Lawmakers. We believe that backing President Tinubu in this reformative endeavor represents an additional strategic affirmation of Southeastern Nigeria’s commitment to national progress, particularly following the prudent decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024,” the statement added.
The group, however, regretted that “concern persists regarding the palpable opposition from certain quarters within Northern Nigeria. It is troubling to observe the Northern Governors’ efforts aimed at undermining the President’s proposed enactments, seemingly motivated by a desire to preserve the illicit financial gains that stem from the prevailing Value Added Tax (VAT) derivation principles. The machinations of the Northern political elites, who appear poised to pull together their numerical advantage in the National Assembly, raise alarm bells about the integrity of our legislative process.
“Should President Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bills succeeds and fails to be thwarted by these calculated maneuvers, it raises the disconcerting prospect of a politically motivated backlash against him in the 2027 elections—a scenario that should give all Nigerians pause. Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands firm in its conviction that effective governance and economic integrity must prevail over parochial interests and undue influence.”
‘In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a conducive atmosphere for economic growth, one that is fair and equitable for all Nigerians, and we implore our Southern legislators to approach this critical juncture with the seriousness it demands. Let us forge ahead with unity behind President Tinubu’s vision for a restructured, revitalized Nigeria, free from the shackles of duplicity and inefficacy,” they added.
…Atiku cautions
In a related development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stressed the need for transparency and objectivity in the ongoing conversations around the Tax Reform Bills.
He said Nigerians deserved a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity.
Nigerians, the Wazirin Adamawa said, “are loud and clear in their quest for a fiscal system that promote but not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units.”
He noted further that such a move was capable of enhancing the status of a few states while unduly penalising others.
Atiku said this Sunday in a statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
He cautioned further, saying the public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest.
“Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity. They are loud and clear that the fiscal system we seek to promote must not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units by enhancing the status of a few states while unduly penalising others.
“I call for objectivity and transparency in the conduct of the public hearing being organised by our representatives in the National Assembly. As a concerned stakeholder, I firmly believe that transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making.
“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts.
“In this wise, I call on the NASS to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council, a key stakeholder and an important organ of the state with the constitutional power to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation.
“The NASS must be appropriately guided and ensure that in the final analysis, the contents of the Bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” the statement said.
