THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, says the green chamber is yet to take a stand on the Tax Reform Bills.
He stated this in his opening remarks at the interactive session on Tax Reform Bills being held at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. He, however said, the house would perform its constitutional role of scrutinising the contents of the bills, affect amendments where necessary.
The bills include; the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
The Presidency had sent the bills to parliament last month, but the National Executive Council (NEC) recommended its withdrawal as a result of some controversies. But President Bola Tinubu refused, saying those who wanted to make contributions could do so during public hearing at the National Assembly.
Speaking, yesterday, Abbas said interaction on the bills would help the House navigate the complexities so that members may forward whatever observation or questions they have regarding the bills. “It is designed to deepen our appreciation of their provisions, commence constructive dialogue on contentious or controversial areas, and build the consensus necessary to produce versions of the bills that align with the interests of the executive, the legislature, sub-national governments, and the Nigerian people. Importantly, this session will help us identify areas needing amendment, clarification, or improvement and consider the compatibility of these bills with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.
