On Wednesday, December 18, Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed the growing controversy surrounding the tax reform bills, stating that many of the loudest critics are those who do not fully understand the initiative.
Akpabio made this remark during his opening speech at the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The Senate President emphasized that the four controversial tax reform bills — the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria Establishment Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 — represent a monumental shift in Nigeria’s fiscal system.
The bills have sparked significant criticism, especially from some Nigerians in the North, who feel the reforms could negatively impact their region.
However, Akpabio commended President Tinubu for the proposed legislation and expressed his disappointment over the criticism. “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics,” he said.
He encouraged all Nigerians, particularly public officials, “to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.” Akpabio stressed that these reforms represent the first major tax overhaul in Nigeria since independence, which offers a transformative opportunity to boost small and medium enterprises and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development,” Akpabio concluded.
