Tax reform bills: League of Northern Democrats sets up technical committee

Amidst the swirling debates and public outcry over the proposed tax reform bills, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) has taken a proactive step by setting up a technical committee.

The committee announced through an official press statement on Friday, will delve deeply into the clauses of the four tax reform bills currently under consideration in Nigeria’s National Assembly.

The LND, recognising the significant impact these reforms could have on the nation, particularly in the North, has committed to ensuring that the legislative process is thorough, transparent, and reflective of the diverse needs of Nigerians.

The newly formed committee comprises experts from various fields such as law, public accounting, legislation, and academia, all hailing from the northern region.

The committee’s primary tasks include clause-by-clause review whereby each member of the committee will meticulously analyse every clause of the tax reform bills to identify any that might pose a threat to the equity or economic health of the Northern states.

The second is amendment proposals whereby if discrepancies or potential injustices are found, the committee will propose amendments aimed at aligning the bills with the constitutional, religious, and cultural values of Nigeria while ensuring they support national unity and fairness across all regions.

The next is a public presentation whereby within one week, the committee will conclude its review.

Following this, they will present their findings and recommendations in both electronic and tabular formats to ensure widespread accessibility.

This presentation will not only inform but also engage policymakers, legislators, media, and the public in an open discussion about the proposed tax reforms.

The last task of the committee according to the statement is public engagement and transparency.

The spokesman for the LND, Dr Ladan Salihu emphasised the committee’s role in fostering a democratic approach to fiscal policy.

“Our aim is to maximise benefits for all Nigerians.

“We want to ensure that these tax reforms contribute positively to sustainable development and equitable economic growth,” Salihu stated.

The League has called on the public to stay informed by tuning into the upcoming presentation, where detailed insights into the bills will be shared alongside the LND’s policy recommendations.

The initiative by the LND comes at a time when the Tax Reform bills have sparked a divide, with concerns raised about potential regional biases and economic impacts.

Northern lawmakers and regional leaders have been vocal about the need for these bills to be scrutinized for their fairness across different parts of the country.

The Senate’s recent decision to pause further action on these bills for six months to allow for more consultations underscores the contentious nature of the reforms.

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