From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The federal government has addressed misinformation and fake news circulating around the tax bills and the broader reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the statement in Abuja, asserting that President Tinubu is committed to accountability on the tax bills and has directed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with the National Assembly over concerns raised.
Idris welcomed the nationwide debate on the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, commending Nigerians for engaging on such important national issues.
He urged commentators to engage respectfully and avoid ethnic or regional slurs in the discussions.
He also clarified that the fiscal reforms will not harm any state or region, nor will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies. Instead, the reforms aim to bring relief to millions of Nigerians and promote sustainable growth and development for states and local governments.
Idris further emphasised that President Tinubu’s fiscal reform agenda is designed to devolve more resources to state and local governments, fostering democratic governance.
He rejected the suggestion that the process was being rushed, stating that the government welcomes meaningful input to address any concerns before the bills are passed.
The Minister also highlighted that these reforms, alongside the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy, will empower local governments and increase revenue without burdening the people.
The aim is to ensure greater accountability in managing public resources and invest in critical infrastructure such as healthcare, education, transportation, and digital technology, as well as social investments to benefit all Nigerians under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Source: Daily Sun
