Orji Kalu Faults FG Over Tax Reform Oversight

• Progressive Reforms, Poor Execution: Senator Kalu highlights lack of collaboration.
• Stakeholder Exclusion Sparks Opposition: Governors’ Forum, NEC reject tax bills.
• Revenue Boost or Controversy: Experts support reforms despite backlash.

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North in the Senate, has criticized the federal government for excluding key stakeholders like the National Economic Council (NEC), the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and the Council of State in its tax reform process.

Speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Monday, Kalu described the tax reform bills as progressive but faulted their execution. “The bills are designed to restore fiscal federalism, but the federal government erred by not consulting NEC and the Governors’ Forum,” he stated.

The reforms include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. They have been under review in the National Assembly since October and recently passed their second reading in the Senate.

While economic experts back the reforms for their potential to boost national revenue, opposition remains strong. The Northern Governors’ Forum and NEC have both called for the bills’ withdrawal, citing inadequate stakeholder engagement.