The Nigerian Presidency has officially dismissed allegations that the ongoing tax reform bills before the National Assembly are intended to dismantle key agencies such as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified that the primary goal of these bills is to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged Nigerians, rather than to harm the economies of any specific regions.
Onanuga emphasized that the proposed reforms are designed to consolidate various earmarked taxes into a single tax, which will then be distributed among key agencies as beneficiaries. He stated that the intention behind President Bola Tinubu’s tax and fiscal policy reforms is to streamline tax administration, create a more business-friendly environment, and address the complexities arising from multiple taxation systems that currently exist.
Furthermore, Onanuga urged stakeholders and the public to familiarize themselves with the details of the tax reform bills to avoid spreading misinformation. He welcomed the public interest surrounding the bills and encouraged participation in the public hearings organized by the National Assembly, where citizens can express their views on the proposed reforms.
