By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has debunked the report making the rounds that it’s against President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
RMAFC chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu disclosed this while speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday,
Shehu dismissed the allegations as “false” and “malicious,” clarifying the commission’s position on the legislation.
He addressed the media following misleading reports that suggested RMAFC had “vehemently rejected” the proposed tax reforms.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to the bills, the Shehu stressed that RMAFC had submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining its position.
He noted that RMAFC’s stance aligns with both global best practices and Tinubu’s vision for a fairer and more sustainable fiscal framework for Nigeria.
“We applaud President Tinubu’s strong commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s revenue base and his bold initiatives to address the country’s fiscal challenges.
“The proposed tax reform bills are a significant step towards integrating untapped revenue sources, enhancing Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio, and positioning the country favourably among nations with high fiscal performance,” Shehu said.
Shehu also appealed to the media to adhere to high journalistic standards and report only accurate information to avoid undermining the nation’s ongoing fiscal reforms.
As a key player in Nigeria’s fiscal policy, Shehu reaffirmed that the RMAFC’s mandate is to provide professional advice on fiscal matters.
He emphasised that the Commission has been collaborating closely with the National Assembly to ensure the bills are robust and effective, addressing issues such as tax evasion and promoting fiscal fairness.
Shehu said, “Once again, we reiterate our total support for the tax reform, which aligns with our goal of helping the President in his ongoing fiscal reforms. We acknowledge our responsibility to provide professional guidance whenever necessary and pledge to continue working tirelessly to support the President’s vision for a more prosperous Nigeria.
“It is important to recognize that the RMAFC is a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s fiscal framework. Our mandate is to ensure an equitable revenue-sharing formula among the three tiers of government. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to providing expert advice to support the government’s fiscal policy objectives.
“In this regard, we have been working closely with the National Assembly to provide technical input on the proposed tax reform bills. Our goal is to ensure that the legislation is robust, effective, and aligns with global best practices.”
While recognising the challenges the reform may pose, including its potential impact on businesses and individuals, Shehu reassured that the RMAFC is committed to engaging with stakeholders constructively to resolve these concerns.
“We believe that the proposed tax reform bills have the potential to transform Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. The bills aim to promote fiscal equity, reduce tax evasion, and increase revenue generation. These objectives are in line with the RMAFC’s mandate, and we are committed to supporting their implementation,” he added.
The tax reform proposal has stirred debate in recent weeks, especially on the allocation and derivation of Value Added Tax.
