Pantami Urges NASS To Halt Tax Reform Bills

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to temporarily halt legislative action on the proposed tax reform bills to allow for broader consultation.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Pantami expressed concerns about the bills, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, which he recently reviewed.

He highlighted the potential of the bills to transform tax collection but pointed out critical issues, including possible conflicts with the Nigerian Constitution and ambiguities that could hinder effective implementation.

“I have been preoccupied for the past week, having attended the World Halal Summit 2024 as a speaker at the invitation of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye. Consequently, I couldn’t find time to read and review all the 4 bills, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024. However, over the last 40 hours, I have been reading them, particularly the Nigeria Tax Administrative Bill.

“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.

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“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.

“Specifically, I recommend reviewing the following sections: Section 3(3); Section 7(6); Section 8(2); Section 23; Section 28; Sections 95, 96, 97, and 118 and Section 141 (supremacy clause).

“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 comment on the remaining 3 bills later.

Pantami further stressed the importance of rebuilding trust between the government and citizens, as widespread mistrust has eroded national cohesion.

He encouraged all tiers of government to prioritize the national interest over personal agendas and foster objective discourse.