President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly to address the concerns raised over the proposed Tax Reform Bills.

The president’s submission of the bills to the legislature has sparked widespread criticism, with opposition from various quarters, including vocal objections from northern governors. Critics have argued that the proposed reforms could disproportionately impact northern states and exacerbate economic hardship for Nigerians.

In response, Tinubu has called for a review of the contentious provisions, urging collaboration between the Justice Ministry and the National Assembly to refine the drafts.

“It is important to clarify that there is no hidden agenda, nor is the process being rushed. In line with established legislative procedures, the Federal Government welcomes constructive feedback to address any grey areas in the bills,” said Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Idris, Tinubu has directed the Justice Ministry and relevant officials involved in drafting the bills to engage closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all legitimate concerns are resolved before the bills are enacted. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, describing the public debate surrounding the bills as a testament to Nigeria’s vibrant democracy.

“It is inspiring to see Nigerians expressing their views on these critical national issues,” the minister said. “This is the essence of democracy. However, there is no place for ethnic or regional slurs in this important conversation.”

Dismissing allegations that the reforms target northern states or aim to impoverish any region, Idris described such claims as “misinformation and fake news.” He reassured Nigerians that the fiscal reforms would not weaken federal agencies or disadvantage any state or region.

“When enacted, these bills will bring relief to millions of hardworking Nigerians and empower our states and local governments for sustainable growth and development,” Idris said.

He added that the revenue generated from the reforms would be invested in critical infrastructure such as healthcare, education, transportation, and digital technology, as well as social programmes to benefit all Nigerians.

Meanwhile, a town hall event hosted by Channels Television on Monday provided a platform for experts to deliberate on the proposed reforms. Panelists included Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee; Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Baba Yusuf, Group CEO of Global Investment and Trade Company, among others.

Oyedele argued that the bills contain over 200 provisions designed to transform the economy, urging stakeholders not to let minor contentious issues overshadow the broader benefits. “We should focus on discussing and resolving these concerns rather than allowing them to derail the entire process,” he said.

Dogara appealed for calm in the northern region, cautioning against framing the reforms as anti-north. “This is not the time to condemn the president. These bills are not anti-north,” he said.

Despite the ongoing debates, the Tax Reform Bills have progressed to the second reading in the Senate, with calls for further engagement to address lingering concerns.