By Oluwaseyi Adeniran
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Mathew Gbonjubola, Coordinating Director of Compliance and Enforcement Group at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has cautioned Nigerians against viewing the current administration’s tax reform bills through a regional lens. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Gbonjubola emphasized that many Nigerians are misinformed about the bills, leading to inaccurate arguments and hearsay-driven commentaries.
The tax reform bills, submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on October 3, aim to streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and optimize revenue.
The proposed legislation includes:
Nigeria Tax Bill 2024: Provides the fiscal framework for tax in the country.
Tax Administration Bill: Establishes a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country.
Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill: Creates the Joint Revenue Board, Tax Appeal Tribunal, and Office of the Tax Ombudsman to harmonize and coordinate revenue administration.
Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill: Seeks to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Bill and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service to access, collect, and account for revenue accrued to the federation.
Gbonjubola’s plea for objectivity comes as some Nigerians perceive the bills as a north-south or east-west issue. However, he stressed that the bills’ benefits, such as enhanced taxpayer compliance, strengthened fiscal institutions, and a more effective and transparent fiscal regime, should be evaluated on their merit rather than regional affiliations.
As the National Assembly considers these bills, Nigerians are encouraged to engage in informed discussions, rather than perpetuating misinformation. By doing so, the country can work towards a more efficient and equitable tax system.
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