The Presidency on Monday dismissed claims that the proposed Tax Reform Bills would disproportionately benefit Lagos and Rivers States at the expense of northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described such insinuations as baseless and reckless, asserting that the bills are designed to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians, particularly the disadvantaged.
Onanuga stated, “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.”
He criticised the ongoing public discourse around the bills, accusing some political actors and commentators of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public.
“Since the public debate around the transformative tax bills before the National Assembly began in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public,” the statement read.
Onanuga added, “Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills. While some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarised one section of the country against another.”
The Presidency reiterated that the bills aim to create a more equitable tax system and support economic development nationwide, dismissing fears that they would harm any region’s economy.