- Safiu Kehinde
Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami, has called for the suspension of the proposed tax reforms, stressing the need for wider consultation.
Pantami made the call in a post on X handle on Tuesday.
While acknowledging the bills potential to transform tax collection administration if improved, Pantami expressed that several sections of the bill lacks clear definitions.
This, according to him, can lead to significant challenges during implementation and regulatory bodies may exploit its ambiguities.
“The bill has the potential to transform tax collection administration if improved and implemented in the national interest.
“Nevertheless, there are critical observations that need to be addressed, including a potential conflict with the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution.
“Several sections of the Bill make me uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, which could lead to significant challenges during implementation.
“Furthermore, regulatory bodies may exploit these ambiguities when developing their regulatory instruments.
“In light of this, I offer two pieces of advice to the National Assembly (NASS):
“Suspend Legislative Action for now as some of the challenges could not be addressed by the chambers alone. In leadership, the ability to change one’s mind is a sign of intelligence and empathy, not weakness; and
“Allow for wider consultations on the bills, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed.” Pantami wrote.
The ex-minister further recommended the review of some sections of the bill which include sections 3(3), 7(6), 8(2), 23, and 29 amongst others.
While failing to state the provisions of the sections, Pantami held that tax, constitutional, and business lawyers, among others have roles to play in improvising the bill.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, as the situation as a nation is deteriorating due to this mistrust.
“I believe that tax, constitutional, and business lawyers, among others, also have a significant role to play in improving the bills. As a policy researcher, I may also commend on the remaining 3 bills later.
“Finally, the government must try to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, as our situation as a nation is deteriorating due to this mistrust. Citizens are largely suspicious.
“Building trust is crucial at this juncture for all arms and tiers of government. We must also prioritise our national interest over and above our personal interests. Issues must also be discussed objectively and critically.” He added.