Tinubu rejects NEC’s proposal to withdraw tax bill, urges Council to follow ‘legislative process’

President Bola Tinubu has rejected the National Economic Council’s (NEC) proposal to withdraw the controversial tax reform bill, insisting the council follow the “legislative process.”

In a statement on Friday, Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the president emphasized that any input from the council could be incorporated during the public hearing.

According to Tinubu, the bill has already been submitted to the National Assembly, and any revisions should be handled through the legislative branch of government.

“President Tinubu commends the National Economic Council members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their advice. 

“He believes that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly. 

“While urging the NEC to allow the process to take its full course, President Tinubu welcomes further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the National Assembly considers them for passage,” the statement read in part.

Backstory 

Nairametrics previously reported that the National Economic Council (NEC), which includes the 36 state Governors and is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has recommended the withdrawal of the Tax Reforms Bill currently before the National Assembly.

• This recommendation was made on Thursday following the council’s 145th meeting in Abuja.
• The council’s suggestion was in response to a presentation by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, who emphasized the need for broader consultation with stakeholders to ensure alignment on the substantial impacts of the proposed tax reforms.

The Vice President noted that the tax reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration aim to broaden the country’s revenue base, enhance economic stability, and lessen dependency on specific sectors.

He acknowledged that these reforms present an opportunity to address stakeholders’ concerns, particularly regarding VAT reform and its effect on sub-national revenues.