Rep raises concerns over tax reform bill

Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC–Borno) has raised concerns about certain provisions in the Tax Reform Bill that need to be addressed before it becomes law.

Jaha voiced his concerns on Wednesday during an interview after the House of Representatives passed the bill for a second reading in Abuja.

He criticised a clause granting the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) the powers of the Board Chairman, calling it questionable.

According to Jaha, this clause gives the CEO absolute authority, making the officer both judge and jury in their own case.

“The provision allowing the NRS CEO to also serve as Board Chairman is unfair and improper. As the saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

“You cannot be both CEO and Board Chairman. Essentially, you cannot act as judge in your own case whenever the need arises,” he added.

He stated that lawmakers agreed to allow the second reading to extract a commitment from the House Leader that VAT would not increase in the next two or three years.

“There is no plan to raise VAT. Instead, we all support reforms that will enhance collection efficiency, which is crucial,” Jaha said.

He argued that the bill contradicts the Constitution, emphasising that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the Federation.

Jaha criticised Section 141, which grants the bill supremacy when enacted, effectively placing it above the Constitution.

He also opposed the proposed inheritance tax, stating that it contradicts Islamic, Christian, and other religious teachings.

According to him, Islam explicitly governs inheritance matters and does not permit interference with a deceased person’s estate.

He insisted that taxing inherited assets violates Islamic and other religious principles, and the status quo should be maintained.

Jaha urged lawmakers to address issues like inheritance tax and absolute powers to ensure smooth implementation when the bill becomes law.