Barely a day after the Northern Elders Forum urged lawmakers from the region to oppose the Tax Reform Bills, a lawmaker from Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has assured all that both chambers of the National Assembly will pass the bills soon.
Jibrin, who serves as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, made this known during his appearance on the Politics Today programme aired by Television Continental on Sunday night.
He stated that the proposed tax reforms, along with other economic policies championed by President Bola Tinubu, are aimed at securing a better future for Nigerians.
“I have no doubts about the approval and passage of the tax reform bills. We are committed to ensuring they go through,” Jibrin affirmed.
He acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the bills, particularly in northern Nigeria, but stressed that efforts are underway to educate people on the benefits and necessity of the reforms.
He explained, “For those of us who have studied the bills comprehensively, the benefits outweigh any perceived drawbacks.
“Misconceptions about these reforms largely stem from misinformation being spread.”
Jibrin emphasised that Tinubu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service are not pushing for conflict but are advocating a clear understanding of the reforms’ goals.
These include improved revenue generation and distribution to enhance Nigeria’s economic stability.
He also pointed out that contentious elements in the bills should not lead to outright rejection.
“Since the bills are now before the National Assembly, it is our responsibility to scrutinise them thoroughly. Any contentious clauses can be reviewed and adjusted, as the bills are not immutable,” he remarked.
Jibrin further highlighted the transformative potential of recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
He expressed confidence that these changes, though painful in the short term, will yield significant long-term benefits.
“President Tinubu is making sacrifices today for the sake of a better tomorrow for all Nigerians.
“His courageous reforms are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient economy,” he concluded.