By Amos Aar
THE FEDERAL Government’s newly proposed tax reform bill aims to resolve the persistent issue of multiple taxation in Nigeria, according to Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central).
Speaking on Wednesday at a stakeholder engagement held at Kimbis Hotels in Makurdi, Essiet explained that the event is part of a broader initiative to enhance public awareness and gather citizen feedback.
The event, themed “Citizen’s Assembly: Understanding the Tax Reform Bill and Feedback Gathering,” was organized by her office in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
“The tax reform bill is designed to eliminate multiple taxation,” Essiet stated. “It is pro-poor, meaning low-income earners and minimum wage workers will be exempt from taxation. Additionally, essential goods such as food and pharmaceuticals will not be taxed under this bill.”
She noted that her office, in partnership with FIRS, is conducting a series of engagements across the North Central zone to educate the public and collect input on the bill’s provisions and implementation strategies.
“We are here to listen to stakeholders, including local and state revenue officials, market leaders, and community members. The feedback gathered will be documented and submitted to the federal government as the collective input of Benue State taxpayers,” she added.
Responding to concerns raised by northern communities regarding tax regulations, Essiet assured that the National Assembly is reviewing these issues.
“The Senate is holding public hearings and expediting the legislative process. Feedback from these engagements across all six geopolitical zones, supported by FIRS, will be incorporated into the final version of the bill before it is signed into law,” Essiet said.
She urged participants to disseminate accurate information about the reform within their communities rather than relying on unverified speculations.
Mr. Bright Igbinosa, a representative of FIRS and the lead facilitator, presented the bill’s key provisions. He emphasized that the reform seeks to exempt low-income earners and small business owners with annual turnovers below ₦50 million from taxation.
He also highlighted that the bill includes measures to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and stimulate economic growth.
In a goodwill message, Barr. Akor Abiem Terna, Special Assistant to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Political Matters (representing the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Deborah Serumun Aber), reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the reform’s implementation.
Additional support was expressed by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by its Director of Statistics, Dewua Mask, and the State Manager of SMESAN, Mr. John Adah. Both officials expressed optimism that the new tax law would address critical challenges, particularly the burden of multiple taxation.
Participants from various sectors, including NOA, FIRS, and market women associations, appealed to the federal government to consider the economic difficulties faced by citizens. They cited levies such as ATM transaction taxes as examples of the financial strain on ordinary Nigerians.
