Photo: Isa Ali Pantami
Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has advised the National Assembly (NASS) to suspend legislative action on the Tax Bill, citing the inability of the chambers to address certain challenges alone.
Pantami, in a post on his verified Facebook page, commented on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial tax bill, urging NASS to allow for wider consultations, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed.
According to Pantami, the bill has the potential to transform tax collection administration if improved and implemented in the national interest. However, he pointed out several critical observations, including potential conflicts with the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution. He stated, “Several sections of the Bill make me uncomfortable, primarily because they lack clear definitions, which could lead to significant challenges during implementation. Furthermore, regulatory bodies may exploit these ambiguities when developing their regulatory instruments.”
Pantami offered two pieces of advice to NASS: “Suspend legislative action for now, as some challenges cannot be addressed by the chambers alone. In leadership, the ability to change one’s mind is a sign of intelligence and empathy, not weakness. Allow for wider consultations on the bills, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are contacted and any ambiguities are effectively reviewed and addressed.”
He recommended reviewing the following sections: Section 3(3), Section 7(6), Section 8(2), Section 23, Section 28, Sections 95, 96, 97, and 118, and Section 141 (supremacy clause).
Pantami emphasized the importance of tax, constitutional, and business lawyers in improving the bill, adding that as a policy researcher, he might also comment on the remaining three bills later.
He stressed the need for the government to address the mistrust between it and its citizens, stating, “Citizens are largely suspicious; therefore, building trust is crucial at this juncture for all arms and tiers of government.”
Pantami concluded by urging lawmakers to prioritize national interest over personal interests, ensuring that issues are discussed objectively and critically.
