Tinubu Directs AGF to Collaborate with National Assembly on Tax Reform Bills Amid Public Debate
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to engage with the National Assembly to address public concerns surrounding the proposed Tax Reform Bills. This directive comes as the controversial bills continue to spark intense debate across the nation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the President’s directive in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to fostering inclusive and constructive dialogue on the reforms. Idris noted that the President is determined to ensure the reforms align with the collective interests of Nigerians and reposition the country for sustainable economic growth.
Commending the ongoing discussions, Idris described the nationwide debate on the tax bills as “inspiring” and reflective of the democratic spirit. “The robust nationwide debate on the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly is welcomed and commendable. It is very inspiring to see Nigerians from all walks of life coming out to express their views and opinions on these matters of critical national importance. This is the very essence and meaning of democracy,” the statement read.
Idris encouraged stakeholders to continue engaging in informed and respectful discourse, while cautioning against injecting divisive rhetoric into the conversation. “In the spirit of democratic engagement, there should be no room for name-calling or the injection of unnecessary ethnic and regional slurs into this important national conversation,” he urged.
The Minister also addressed concerns over misinformation and fake news surrounding the tax reforms. He reassured Nigerians that the proposed fiscal measures would not weaken federal agencies or impoverish any region. Instead, he emphasized that the reforms are designed to provide relief to millions of Nigerians, devolve more resources to states and local governments, and promote sustainable development across the country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing an ambitious fiscal reform agenda that will devolve more resources to Nigeria’s State and Local Governments, and ultimately to the Nigerian people, in the spirit of harnessing democracy that works for the people,” Idris stated.
As debates on the Tax Reform Bills intensify, the President’s directive to the AGF signals a readiness to engage constructively with stakeholders and address valid concerns. The administration aims to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring that the reforms deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians, laying the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity.