From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The member of the House of Representatives, representing Albasu/ Gaya/Ajingi Federal Constituency of Kano State, Ghali Mustapha Tijjani, has said the tax reforms before the National Assembly is coming at the wrong time.
Tijjani told journalists, in Abuja, said the bills, if passed into law, will impact negatively on the masses, especially as regards the payment of Value Added Tax ( VAT).
President Bola Tinubu, recently transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly. However, the bills has been a subject of controversy in the polity.
The lawmaker argued that the tax bill will impose more burdens on the people, noting that the policies of the government has allegedly not being in favour of poor Nigerians.
According to him, “the four bills, to me, this is the wrong time and ill time to bring them. For simple reason, the policies of the current government have not helped the Nigerian poor. Similarly, there are two major areas of concern, the derivation as well as the increase in the VAT system.
“You see, if you take the VAT, Section 146 talked about the increase in the VAT from 7.5% to 10% to 12% and to 15% by 2030. And nobody will tell you that this will not be transferred to the final consumer. No matter what, yes, you have talk of exemption, exemption for some certain cadre or scale or income, but the final consumer or the companies will transfer the VAT or the tax to the final consumer.”
Tijjani wondered over the haste with which the government was pushing for the passage of the bills, saying it is a cause for concern.
“And Nigerians are poor. And Nigerians don’t have employment. Therefore, I think it’s not necessary this bill. The Executives should understand that this bill is generating serious concern, serious issue. I can tell you, if this bill is being implemented, the current problem we have today will multiply.
“Therefore, for such reasons, this bill, I think, is not debatable. This should be completely discarded or put aside. And the executives should face the serious issues of stabilizing the economy as well as providing jobs, as well as educating people and also ensuring secure nation,” he stated.
