Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have criticized the federal government for dismissing citizens’ opposition to four proposed tax reform bills as ignorance.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Onilu, attributed the resistance to a lack of understanding of the benefits the reforms offer. Speaking during a press briefing at the Federal Secretariat in Bauchi, Onilu emphasized that the tax reforms aim to benefit the poor and claimed that political figures, who would face higher tax obligations, are driving much of the opposition. Represented by the National Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Nuru Kobi, Onilu outlined the agency’s efforts to raise public awareness on ethical values, national development, and tax reforms, including translating the bills into local languages for better understanding.
The Bauchi State NOA Director, Mrs. Theresa Omaga, noted that the agency is spearheading sensitization campaigns across all 20 local government areas of the state to ensure the message reaches every community.
However, CSOs such as the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Transparency International (TI), and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) rebuked the government for criticizing citizens instead of focusing on public education. They argued that proper sensitization and dialogue, rather than confrontation, would lead to public acceptance of the reforms.
The CSOs emphasized the importance of fiscal policies that address socio-economic challenges while promoting transparency and inclusiveness. They described the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 as a landmark initiative capable of reshaping the country’s fiscal framework, but they called for amendments to ensure inclusivity, economic equity, and sustainable governance.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, raised several concerns, including the risk of deepening economic disparities through the proposed VAT revenue distribution model. He suggested creating an Equalisation Fund to support underdeveloped states and advocated for collecting VAT at the point of sale to prevent regional disparities. Rafsanjani also urged maintaining the current VAT rate of 7.5% until the economy stabilizes, expanding VAT exemptions for essential goods, and ensuring transparency in administering tax incentives.
The CSOs stressed that tax policies must bridge socio-economic gaps, promote trust between citizens and the government, and shield vulnerable populations from negative impacts such as inflation and poverty.
Meanwhile, the Senate has temporarily suspended further deliberations on the tax bills, pending a high-level meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). This decision was announced during a plenary session led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, following heated debates over contentious provisions in the proposed legislation.
A special committee, including senators such as Abba Moro (Chairman), Tahir Monguno, and Orji Uzor Kalu, has been established to address stakeholders’ concerns and harmonize positions to ensure the bill aligns with national priorities.