JUST IN: Tinubu directs Attorney-General, Oyedele to address concerns on tax reform bills

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, to engage with the National Assembly to resolve concerns surrounding the proposed tax reform bills currently under legislative review.

The directive comes amid widespread public debate on the bills. In a statement issued Tuesday by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms aimed at empowering Nigerians, strengthening state and local governments, and promoting accountability in public resource management.

The president welcomed the ongoing discussions, emphasizing that informed and respectful dialogue is a cornerstone of democracy. He reassured Nigerians that the proposed reforms would not impoverish any state or region nor weaken federal agencies. Instead, the reforms are designed to bring relief to citizens and drive sustainable development across all tiers of government.

To ensure the bills reflect the interests of all Nigerians, Tinubu directed the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders involved in drafting the legislation to work closely with the National Assembly to address legitimate concerns.

“These reforms, aligned with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, aim to devolve more resources to local governments, enabling them to deliver better services to citizens,” the statement noted.

The president highlighted that funds conserved and generated from the reforms would be channeled into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and technology, ensuring equitable development nationwide.

He emphasized that the reforms are designed to eliminate loopholes that have historically drained public resources, fostering greater accountability at all levels of government.

Describing the tax reform bills as part of the most significant fiscal reforms in decades, Tinubu emphasized their role in creating a people-centered democracy. He pledged to leave no Nigerian behind, promising a future of shared prosperity built on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

The president also called on Nigerians to remain engaged and supportive of the reforms while urging an end to misinformation and divisive rhetoric that could derail progress.