The House of Representatives has suspended the debate on the Tax Reform Bills, which was scheduled for Tuesday, indefinitely due to rising pressure from the 19 governors of northern states, according to The PUNCH.
The intended debate was cancelled in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, after 73 northern legislators voted against the legislation.
The legislation was rejected by 48 representatives from the North-East, 24 federal parliamentarians from Kano, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, a former Governor of Sokoto State who represents the Sokoto South Senatorial District.
The press release suspending the debate on November 30, 2024, is titled ‘Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills.’
It stated: “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to discuss all the tax reform bills, has been postponed to a later date.
“This rescheduling is necessary due to the necessity for additional and broader engagement with all key stakeholders. A new date and location for the session will be announced shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which intends to provide a fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which aims to provide a clear and comprehensive legal framework for all taxes in the country and eliminate conflicts.
Other bills include the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which is likely to abolish the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
