Senator Ningi reveals why he is against Tax Reform Bills
Former Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), has sharply criticized the proposed tax reform bills, labelling them as unfair and disproportionately advantageous to certain states, especially Lagos.
Speaking to Sunday Vanguard, he accused the Federal Government of pursuing policies that undermine national inclusivity.
Ningi cautioned President Bola Tinubu against using citizens’ silence or fear to impose unpopular measures.
He argued that the tax reforms are biased in favour of Lagos and two other states at the expense of the rest of the country.
Highlighting the lack of inclusiveness in the proposals, he urged lawmakers to reject them outright.
Drawing parallels to the controversial Third Term agenda under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ningi noted that despite some beneficial elements in that initiative, it was ultimately discarded due to its overarching agenda.
Similarly, he argued that the current tax bills should be rejected.
Ningi outlined two key objections: the bills’ discriminatory nature and their failure to consider the collective voice of the National Economic Council (NEC), which previously opposed them.
He expressed disbelief at the President’s insistence on pushing the reforms through parliament, despite resistance from the NEC, a body comprised of the Vice President and elected governors.
While acknowledging some positive aspects of the bills, Ningi emphasized that the controversy surrounding their implementation outweighs their benefits.
He called on lawmakers to unite, stating that the pain of unfair policies transcends regional divides.
Using a vivid example, Ningi explained how VAT collection disproportionately benefits Lagos.
He described a scenario where raw maize purchased in Kaduna is processed into Semovita in Lagos, and the VAT from its sale returns to Lagos, sidelining the state where the raw material originated.
This, he argued, highlights the lack of fairness and inclusivity in the current system.
Ningi also criticized the broader revenue distribution framework, pointing out how funds from nationwide consumption often flow back to Lagos-based multinationals.
He suggested restructuring the country’s fiscal policies to ensure fairness and warned against taking Nigerians’ silence for granted.
In closing, Ningi implored lawmakers to reject the bills, warning that their passage would have significant consequences.
He called for a stand against policies that, in his view, compromise equity and patriotism.
(AFRIPOST)
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