The House of Representatives in plenary has given approval to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform Bills that had generated serious debates nationwide.
The development was announced on Thursday after months of controversy.
Presidential Spokesperson and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a statement through his official X account on Thursday.
Without details, the Minister said that the Bills were passed by the Green Chamber on Thursday after months of debate.
Dare tweeted: “Tax reform bills have been approved by Nigeria’s House of Representatives today in Abuja. Today, March 13, 2025.”
The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum rejected the Bills, particularly the proposed value-added tax derivation model in the Nigeria Tax Bill.
The National Economic Council also opposed the tax derivation model.
The public life of the tax law began on October 3, 2024, when Tinubu sent four tax reform Bills to Parliament:
* The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024
* The Tax Administration Bill
* The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and
* The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
It now awaits the concurrence of the Senate.
“These Bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterwards, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause”, said James Abiodun Faleke, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.
He assured Nigerians that the tax reform Bills would produce widely acceptable laws.
“I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations,” Faleke said.
He thanked fellow lawmakers and the House leadership for entrusting his committee with processing the tax Bills and presenting them for consideration.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising tax law reforms, noting that some existing tax laws date back to 1959.
“We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” he stressed.
Deputy Committee Chairman Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger) said no Bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much debate as the tax reform Bills.
He praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering stakeholder consensus and ensuring broad-based input into the legislative process.
Abdullahi highlighted that representatives from all geopolitical zones and regional thought leaders were involved, easing public concerns.
“The committee’s recommendations reflect the contributions of various stakeholders.
“These were never seen as perfect documents. The Executive made proposals, and the public hearing allowed Nigerians to refine them. Lawmakers have now endorsed the final version,” he added.
Also, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process as transparent, with consultants and the Executive making adjustments to reflect the public interest.
“Despite being in the opposition, we are proud of this historic moment. It will expand the tax net and increase government revenue.
“This reform will enhance tax collection efficiency while protecting small businesses. That is why we worked together to ensure its passage,” Ugochinyere said.
Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos) said all stakeholder concerns, including inheritance tax, derivation, and VAT, were carefully considered.
“This is a great day for Nigeria. The House has approved the necessary reforms, and we now await Senate concurrence,” he said.
