Isa Ali Pantami, the former minister of communications and the digital economy, has urged the National Assembly to refrain from debating the controversial tax reform legislation that are presently being considered.
Pantami reaffirmed that in order to resolve uncertainties and constitutional problems, more extensive consultations including all pertinent parties are required.
Regarding many provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administrative Bill, 2024, Pantami voiced his concerns in a post on his X handle, @ProfIsaPantami, claiming that ambiguous terminology and possible regulatory exploitation present serious difficulties.
Pantami acknowledged the bill’s potential to enhance Nigerian tax administration, but he also pointed out several elements that need to be critically examined to make sure they are in conformity with the constitution and the interests of the country, including Section 3(3), Section 7(6), and the supremacy clause in Section 141.
The former minister also emphasized how crucial it is to restore public confidence in the government, which he said is essential to the effective execution of policy.
In order to show leadership, he pushed the legislature to review controversial clauses and make space for input from legal, business, and policy specialists.
He stated: “I am uneasy about a number of the bill’s provisions, mainly because they are not well defined, which may pose serious problems when it is put into effect. Moreover, regulatory agencies might take use of these ambiguities in the creation of their regulatory tools.
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Given this, I would like to make two recommendations to the National Assembly (NASS):
“i) Since the chambers alone were unable to handle some of the issues, suspend legislative action for the time being. In leadership, having the flexibility to change one’s opinion is a show of empathy and intelligence rather than weakness.
“ii) Permit more extensive consultations on the bills, making certain that all pertinent parties are contacted and that any discrepancies are thoroughly examined and resolved.”
