Abuja: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to accountability concerning tax bills, emphasizing his commitment to acting in the best interest of Nigerians. Idris addressed this issue in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, responding to the ongoing nationwide discussions regarding the new tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idris expressed admiration for the active participation of Nigerians from diverse backgrounds in the debate surrounding these critical national issues. He highlighted that this engagement epitomizes the essence of democracy, encouraging all commentators and groups to continue their informed discussions. Idris urged for respectful and understanding dialogue, despite differing opinions, and cautioned against name-calling or the inclusion of ethnic and regional slurs in the national conversation.
Idris also addressed concerns about misin
formation and fake news related to the tax bills and the Tinubu administration’s broader reform agenda. He assured that the fiscal reforms would not impoverish any region or weaken federal agencies. Instead, they aim to benefit millions of Nigerians and foster sustainable growth at the state and local government levels. He underscored the government’s intent to redistribute resources more equitably across states and local governments, aligning with democratic principles that serve the populace.
In line with established legislative procedures, Idris welcomed constructive input to refine the bills further. He noted President Tinubu’s directive to the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials to collaborate with the National Assembly, ensuring all legitimate concerns are addressed before the bills’ passage. Highlighting the significance of the ongoing reforms, Idris described them as the most impactful fiscal changes in decades, alongside the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on local government financial auto
nomy.
Idris expressed optimism that the reforms would boost revenue without increasing tax burdens on citizens, enabling greater accountability in public resource management. He assured that the Tinubu administration would implement policies to close loopholes that have historically drained Nigeria’s resources. The conserved resources from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure, including healthcare, education, transportation, and digital technology, as well as social investments that benefit all Nigerians, fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda.