Afenifere Reveals Position On Tinubu Govt Tax Reform Bills

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has declared its support for the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which have sparked widespread debate across the nation.

In a statement on Sunday, the group distanced itself from opposing socio-cultural organisations, emphasizing that the reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu were in the best interest of the country.

The Organising Secretary of the group, Abagun Omololu, explained that the bills had potential economic benefits for all regions, including the northern region.

He said, “Afenifere is in support of the tax reform for its promise of economic revival. We have noted that the bills are a crucial step towards stimulating the Nigerian economy, hence with the tax system reform, we hope for improvement of revenue generation at both federal and state levels. This is essential for funding critical infrastructure and social services that will benefit all Nigerians, including those in the North.

“After due scrutiny and consideration, we agree that the proposed changes to VAT administration are designed to align revenue sharing more closely with consumption patterns, affording states to receive funding based on actual economic activity rather than historical allocations.”

The four tax bills sent to the National Assembly include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal 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.