…CISLAC applauds NASS for suspending debate to get more inputs

Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), has emphasised the urgent need for tax reform in Nigeria. The conference, themed “Economic Stabilization for Equity: Ensuring Fairness in Tax Policy,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society actors to discuss critical tax issues.

He highlighted the importance of a fair tax system in stabilizing the economy. “More than ever, tax discussions have taken a deep seat in national discourse,” he stated, noting the heightened public engagement surrounding proposed tax reform bills. He commended the National Assembly for suspending hearings on these bills to gather broader input from citizens.

The two-day conference is to address concerns regarding the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), which some fear could exacerbate inflation and poverty. “While the intention to reduce economic burdens on low-income earners is visible, the VAT increments set to double by 2030 raise serious concerns,” Rafsanjani warned. He urged clarity on what constitutes “non-essential” items under the VAT regime, stressing that ambiguity could lead to unfair taxation.

He expressed hope that the conference would lead to meaningful discussions that prioritize fairness and equity in Nigeria’s tax system. “This is a rare opportunity in government policy decision-making. The best outcome will be to address concerns for clarity and integrate plausible inputs from citizens.”