A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has advised the leadership of the 10th National Assembly to suspend legislative action on the proposed tax reform Bills.
The former minister, who stated this yesterday in a post on Facebook amid controversies surrounding the Bills, also suggested wider consultations on then involving all relevant stakeholders. He noted that the proposed Bills have the potential to transform tax collection administration if improved and implemented in the interest of the nation.
Pantami said he personally observed in the proposed Bills a potential conflict with Nigeria’s Constitution.
The post read in part: 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 Nigerian Constitution.
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 ones 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.
Finally, the Government must try to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, as our situation as a nation is deteriorating due to this mistrust. Citizens are largely suspicious. Building trust is crucial at this juncture for all arms and tiers of Government.
