Atiku Urges Transparency In Tax Reform
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has called for transparency and fairness in the National Assembly’s ongoing review of the Tax Reform Bills.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku expressed concern over the uneven development across Nigeria’s federating units, stressing the importance of a fiscal system that ensures justice and equity.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest.
“Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity. They have made it clear that the fiscal system we seek must not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units by favouring a few states while unfairly penalising others,” he stated.
Atiku urged the National Assembly to conduct the public hearing on the bills with objectivity and inclusiveness.
He emphasised the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, including civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and economic experts.
“As a concerned stakeholder, I firmly believe that transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making. The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders,” he noted.
Additionally, Atiku called on the National Assembly to revisit and publish the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC), describing it as a crucial advisory body for Nigeria’s economic affairs.
“The NASS must ensure that, in the final analysis, the contents of the bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” he added.
Atiku’s remarks come amid widespread debate over the Tax Reform Bills, with Nigerians raising concerns about the potential implications of the reforms on economic justice and regional development.
