Tax reform bills is Not South vs North or East vs West Issue - FIRS

Mathew Gbonjubola, the Coordinating Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), urged Nigerians to view the proposed tax reform bills without regional bias.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Gbonjubola emphasized that the reforms should not be seen as a "north versus south or east versus west issue." He pointed out that many public commentaries are based on misconceptions and hearsay, as "a lot of people who are commenting on those bills have not even read them."

The proposed reforms, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, aim to overhaul the current tax system.

A change is the proposal to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the Nigeria Revenue Service.

These reforms have sparked diverse reactions across the country, with some northern governors expressing opposition while others show support.

Gbonjubola's remarks highlight the need for informed discussions around these bills, as they hold implications for national policy and regional politics.

The Enugu State government's introduction of a single tax payment system further illustrates the varied fiscal strategies being considered in response to the proposed changes.

As the debate continues, it remains crucial for stakeholders to engage with the actual content of the bills rather than relying on regional narratives.