The Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu tax reform bills.
The tax reform bills which have unsettled the polity in the past few weeks include: Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024.
The Caucus made its stand known on the controversial bills while addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
A member of the caucus, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi said they were ready to work to ensure that they gave better tax law to Nigerians.
He noted that there was nothing like the southern and northern divide, saying the National Assembly’s responsibility is to make laws for this country.
Agbedi states: “We are open to dialogue. This is just the first process. Just to inform you that we’ve received the bills.
“In addition to what the leader of the southern caucus has said, it is the responsibility of the House of Representatives and the Senate to receive proposals of any sort of bills from either the executive or individuals.
“Once they are received, they go through House procedures. And then the public will be invited.
“Here the President has sent an executive bill, what the southern caucus is saying is that we are ready to take up our official responsibility of making laws for the nation. And so, we welcome the bill. As we process it, inputs are made from various states and Constituencies.
“So, we are in consonance with our constituents that we represent. We are ready to work to ensure that we give better tax laws to Nigeria. That’s what we are saying.
“There’s nothing about the southern and northern divide. The National Assembly’s responsibility is to make laws for this country.”
The leader of the Caucus, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, however, said they are open to more dialogue and views from Nigerians.
This move is seen as a positive step towards addressing the country’s fiscal challenges.