Reps Pass Tinubu’s Four Tax Bills After Months of Deliberation

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the four tax bills transmitted by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024, marking a major step in the administration’s tax reform agenda. The bills were approved on third reading after extensive deliberations, public hearings, and stakeholder consultations.

The House had previously considered and approved the report of the Committee on Finance last Thursday, paving the way for the final passage. The bills, which aim to reform Nigeria’s tax administration system, faced a delay of about three months before legislative work resumed three weeks ago.

During the plenary, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved for the third reading of the bills, highlighting their importance in revenue assessment, collection, and accountability across federal, state, and local governments.

Among the bills passed was one to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007, replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, which grants the new body authority over tax collection and administration. Another bill seeks to establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to oversee tax harmonization and dispute resolution. Additionally, lawmakers approved a bill to consolidate various taxation laws under the Nigeria Tax Act, streamlining tax regulations on income, transactions, and instruments.

The bills were overwhelmingly supported by lawmakers, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presiding over the session. However, opposition arose, particularly from northern lawmakers who, aligning with their governors, called for further consultation before passage.

Following approval in the House, the bills will now proceed to the Senate for concurrence. If necessary, both chambers will harmonize differences before forwarding the final versions to President Tinubu for assent.