The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, on Monday met with six regional caucus leaders and their secretaries to intensified lobby for the passage of controversial Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
The bills have generated widespread controversy, especially in the Northern part of the country over some contentious clauses believed to be inimical to the development of the region.
The regional caucus leaders are Sada Soli, North West; Mukhtar Betara, North East; Ahmed Wase, North Central; Fredrick Agbedi, South South; James Faleke, South West and; Igariwey Iduma, South East.
At least three members of the House of Representatives confirmed the meeting to the press on Monday, saying the speaker wanted the controversial bills to be passed for the second reading on Tuesday.
“They want the regional caucus leaders to convince their members to allow the bills to be read on Tuesday. Once the bills are read and passed for second reading, that is the end of the game because they will achieve their aim at the committee level,” said a lawmaker who preferred anonymity.
“And the irony is that the chairman of the Finance Committee that will handle the bills is James Faleke, a hardline supporter of President Tinubu and one of the top promoters of the bill at the House.”
The sources further said the speaker is under pressure from the presidency to ensure passage of the bills within a week to enable President Bola Tinubu present the 2025 budget.
“Right now the presidency is at crossroads as the budget is tied to tax increase. This is the reason the presidency is desperate about the passage of the bills before the end of the year,” said another lawmaker.
