The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has declared that the controversy surrounding the tax reform bills was instigated by those who don’t understand the initiative.

 

Akpabio stated this on Wednesday in his opening remark during the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Tinubu to the joint sitting of the National Assembly.

 

According to the Senate President, the four controversial tax reform bills – the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria, Establishment Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – represent a monumental shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

 

The bills which are currently on the floor of both the upper and lower legislative chamber, had attracted criticism from Nigerians particularly the Northerners, who believe that the reform initiative was meant to impoverish the people of the region.

 

However, commending Tinubu over the proposed legislation, Akpabio said “it is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics”.

 

The lawmaker urged all Nigerians, especially those in public office, “to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully”.

 

“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

 

“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”