FG’s tax reforms bills’ll dismantle double taxation – Ohaneze
By Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki
Ohaneze Ndigbo on Sunday said the proposed tax reforms bill by President Bola Tinubu if passed into law would dismantle the burdensome spectre of double taxation.
This was as the Secretary General of the apex Igbo group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro called on Southern legislatures to endorse bills.
Isiguzoro disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
The statement reads, “In a resolute declaration of purpose and support for the progressive vision of Nigeria, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, hereby articulates its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reforms Bills. Following diligent reviews, extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, and a meticulous assessment of the salient features of these bills, we have reached an unequivocal conclusion: the proposed reforms hold the promise of catalyzing a robust economic environment conducive to the growth of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the broader Nigerian workforce.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognizes that these tax reforms are poised to dismantle the burdensome specter of double taxation perpetuated by unscrupulous state governors. By fostering a business-friendly atmosphere, these reforms will present an array of attractive opportunities to both foreign and local investors, thereby fortifying the private sector—which includes the enterprising Igbo populace, staunch drivers of Nigeria’s economy through their relentless efforts in SME development and private sector investments.
“It is within this framework that Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphatically calls upon all Southern Federal Lawmakers, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to rally with unity and purpose behind President Tinubu’s ongoing restructuring initiatives. The time has come for our Southern legislators to coalesce and present a formidable front in ensuring the successful passage of these Tax Reforms Bills through both chambers of the National Assembly.
“In this moment of significant political and economic potential, Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends its unwavering support to all Southeast Federal Lawmakers. We believe that backing President Tinubu in this reformative endeavor represents an additional strategic affirmation of Southeastern Nigeria’s commitment to national progress, particularly following the prudent decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024.
“Regrettably, concern persists regarding the palpable opposition from certain quarters within Northern Nigeria. It is troubling to observe the Northern Governors’ efforts aimed at undermining the President’s proposed enactments, seemingly motivated by a desire to preserve the illicit financial gains that stem from the prevailing Value Added Tax (VAT) derivation principles. The machinations of the Northern political elites, who appear poised to pull together their numerical advantage in the National Assembly, raise alarm bells about the integrity of our legislative process.
“Should President Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bills succeed and fails to be thwarted by these calculated maneuvers, it raises the disconcerting prospect of a politically motivated backlash against him in the 2027 elections—a scenario that should give all Nigerians pause. Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands firm in its conviction that effective governance and economic integrity must prevail over parochial interests and undue influence.
‘In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a conducive atmosphere for economic growth, one that is fair and equitable for all Nigerians, and we implore our Southern legislators to approach this critical juncture with the seriousness it demands. Let us forge ahead with unity behind President Tinubu’s vision for a restructured, revitalized Nigeria, free from the shackles of duplicity and inefficacy”.
