Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to ensure transparency and objectivity in its public hearing on President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
Atiku emphasized the need for open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and subject matter experts.
The former presidential candidate stressed that the fiscal system should promote justice, fairness, and equity, and not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units.
He also urged the NASS to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council.
The Tax Reform Bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu, aim to streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and optimize revenue.
The bills propose significant changes, including an increase in VAT from 7.5% to 10% by 2025, and the introduction of a 5% excise duty on telecommunications services.