News
Tax Reform Row Deepens as House Minority Caucus Backs Nigerians, Demands Probe
HoBy Gloria Ikibah
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed strong concern over the growing controversy surrounding Nigeria’s Tax Reform laws, pledging to stand with Nigerians to ensure transparency, accountability and justice.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa; the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi on Sunday in Abuja.
The caucus said it observed with great consternation and an overwhelming sense of disappointment the unfolding dispute over the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minority Caucus noted that while controversies around legislation are not unusual, the current situation raises serious concerns because it centres on allegations of unlawful alterations to laws already passed and assented to.
The caucus acknowledged that the matter was recently raised on the floor of the House, leading to the inauguration of a high-powered investigative committee. It assured Nigerians of its full support for efforts to uncover the truth.
The statement read: “The gravity of the cause of the controversy is an issue of great concern to all Nigerians, especially since it borders on the accusations of unlawful alterations to the laws as passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly and subsequently signed by the President.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives will stand with the entire House to see that the circumstances surrounding this illegality is exposed and the culprits brought to book in the interest of justice for all Nigerians.”
The caucus emphasised that the National Assembly remains the custodian of authentic laws of the federation.
The lawmakers also warned Nigerians against relying on any tax laws not properly authenticated, and that circulating fake laws poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
“The National Assembly is always the custodian of the genuine documents of the laws of the federation that have been passed, and, therefore, we will always make sure that it is the truth that prevails in moments of controversy such as this.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to disregard any purported tax laws being circulated without the signature of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President and Commander in Chief.
“Any attempt to foist fake laws on Nigerians is an attack on the independence and constitutional role of the National Assembly in safeguarding our democracy, and the Caucus will unconditionally protect the independence of the Legislature and our democracy”, the statement further read.
The caucus therefore urged the Federal Government to halt enforcement of the tax laws pending the outcome of investigations, and reiterated that Nigerians and the business community deserve access to accurate copies of the laws they are expected to comply with.
“We call on the government to suspend the implementation of the tax laws until investigations are concluded and there is clarity and certainty of the law to be implemented”, it added.
News
Watch moment FCT minister Wike’s son Joaquin was called as one of the King’s College London Msc Degree in Mgt and Technology Change graduands today
It was a day of joy for the FCT minister Nyesom Wike and his family as his son, Joaquin was called as one of the the King’s College London Msc Degree in Management and Technology Change graduands.
Watch:
News
Photos: FCT Minister, Wike’s son, Joaquin bags MSc Degree in Management and Technology Change at King’s College London
PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Jordan Wike, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike and Daughter, Jazmyne, were there to rejoice with him today.
Photos:
Finally, the Federal Government said it has disbursed ₦152 billion to contractors of verified contracts.
The payment, the Federal Government, said followed established verification procedures designed to safeguard public funds and maintain accountability in government spending.
In a statement on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Finance said the payment process is guided by existing laws and regulations to ensure transparency and protect taxpayers’ money.
“The process of payment for contracts goes through various verification processes in line with extant laws and regulations, to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure accountability and transparency,” the ministry said.
While acknowledging the financial pressure delays have placed on contractors, the ministry appealed for continued engagement as a pathway to resolving outstanding issues.
“We also plead for continuous dialogue and engagement for effective resolution of all conflicts,” the statement added.
The ministry assured contractors of its willingness to maintain open communication, urging them to respect the procedures and staff involved in handling payment requests.
“We assure all contractors of our continuous support and openness to constructive dialogue and urge all contractors to respect the process and the personnel of the Federal Ministry of Finance, who have had to endure different levels of intimidation and harassment,” it said.
It further stated that all outstanding payment requests would continue to be processed in line with due process and handled “in a timely and consistent manner.”
As part of broader efforts to address the contractors plight and restore confidence among local firms, the Federal Government has proposed setting aside ₦1.8 trillion in the 2026 budget to clear outstanding payments for capital projects executed under the 2024 fiscal year.
Of this amount, ₦100 billion has been allocated specifically for indigenous contractors, many of whom have raised concerns over prolonged delays and worsening financial conditions.
The proposed budgetary provision follows recent protests by members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), who returned to the streets to draw attention to mounting debts and liquidity challenges within the sector.AICAN President, Mr Jackson Nwosu, said the protests were driven by what he described as growing desperation among contractors facing loan defaults and the risk of losing personal assets after borrowing to carry out government projects.
“The government has failed to honour the agreement to pay contractors whose project details had been submitted and verified. Payments finalised before the closure of the payment portal at the end of December never reflected in our accounts,” he said.
Watch moment FCT minister Wike’s son Joaquin was called as one of the King’s College London Msc Degree in Mgt and Technology Change graduands today
Photos: FCT Minister, Wike’s son, Joaquin bags MSc Degree in Management and Technology Change at King’s College London
After protests: FG releases N152bn payout to local contractors
Edo Killings: Jibrin Shares Details of His Discussion with Okpebholo
Jail break: One of Seven Escaped Ilesha Inmates re-arrested in Lagos
Police neutralise bandit, rescue 5 kidnapped victims in Katsina
-
News12 hours agoAngry Trump wants ‘immediate’ Greenland talks, rules out force
-
News12 hours agoTinubu’s Tax Policy Is Progressive, I Fully Support It – Oshiomhole
-
Entertainment22 hours agoDavido’s dad intervenes into Anu’s paternity claims
-
Sports12 hours agoAlgeria’s Zidane, Belghali Banned Over Nigeria AFCON Scuffle
-
Foreign12 hours agoUK ‘ll resist Trump’s pressure on Greenland— Starmer
-
News12 hours agoNiMet predicts 3-day dust haze, thunderstorms from Thursday
-
News12 hours agoNigerian Army: We Are Told That Bello Turji Is Currently In …..
-
News12 hours agoLP crisis: Abure rejects court ruling, vows to appeal