Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Wazirin Adamawa, has expressed his views on the ongoing discussions surrounding the Tax Reform Bills. Taking to his official X handle, Atiku underscored the importance of justice, fairness, and equity in the nation’s fiscal system, emphasizing the need for a transparent and inclusive approach to policymaking.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest,” he stated. “Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity.”
Atiku further noted that the current public outcry reflects a deep-seated concern about potential disparities that the reform could introduce among Nigeria’s federating units. According to him, any reform must avoid fostering uneven development by disproportionately benefiting a select few states at the expense of others.
The Wazirin Adamawa emphasized the critical role of transparency and objectivity in the public hearing process led by the National Assembly. He advocated for a platform where all stakeholders—civil society organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts—can engage meaningfully.
“As a concerned stakeholder, I firmly believe that transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making,” Atiku asserted.
He urged the National Assembly to revisit and disclose the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC), an advisory body vested with constitutional powers to counsel the President on the nation’s economic affairs. Atiku emphasized that such resolutions could serve as a crucial guide in shaping the bills to reflect the interests of the Nigerian populace.
Atiku called on lawmakers to ensure that the final contents of the Tax Reform Bills align with the aspirations of the majority of Nigerians. His appeal underscores the necessity of a fiscal framework that not only promotes economic growth but also prioritizes equity and national cohesion.
“The National Assembly must be appropriately guided to ensure that, in the final analysis, the contents of the Bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” he concluded.
Atiku’s intervention is a clarion call for a tax reform process rooted in fairness, accountability, and inclusivity, reflecting the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people. His advocacy for transparency and equitable development signals his commitment to nation-building and the pursuit of good governance.
PIONEER NEWS 