In a bold statement, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) has reaffirmed that the National Assembly will move forward with the passage of the controversial tax reform bills, despite pushback from various stakeholders. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Dickson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, likened the forthcoming legislative process to the successful passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), insisting that the implementation of the tax reforms will not lead to chaos or disaster.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced the four tax reform bills on October 3, 2024, with the intention of strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework and aligning with his administration’s broader developmental goals. The bills have already passed a second reading in the Senate, while the House of Representatives has yet to take action.
Despite widespread opposition from governors, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and some federal lawmakers, Dickson encouraged dissenters to engage constructively in the upcoming public hearings. He emphasized the importance of presenting factual arguments rather than emotional responses to the proposed legislation.
Reflecting on past legislative challenges, Dickson pointed out that when the PIB was passed, despite initial resistance, the expected turmoil did not materialize. “The PIA was passed. We wanted 10% which was what Yar’adua proposed. They (federal lawmakers) reduced it to 3%. Heaven did not fall. This tax reform bill will pass, and heavens will not fall,” he stated.
“The Senate has passed the bills for second reading. Public hearing will take place and people should get ready to present their positions. The tax bill is a proposed law like every other and it has to go through the normal legislative process.
“Right now, taxes from Bayelsa State are paid to Lagos State and I don’t want that to continue. When there is consumption of any goods or services from any state it should be calculated and paid to that state.
“Now there is an opportunity to review the tax laws, to correct the anomalies and that is why I’m in support. I know there are states that are feeling that when they apply the new sharing formula, they will earn less. It’s for them to raise those issues and bring the statistics. I don’t go by sentiments. I go by what is right and in the national interest.”