Tax Reform Policy, Not Politics, Says Aderonke
Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has said the tax reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are policy-driven decisions aimed at long-term economic stability rather than political considerations.
In a statement on Wednesday, Atoyebi said recent controversies surrounding the newly enacted tax laws, including allegations of falsification and lack of transparency, should be addressed through established institutional processes rather than public speculation.
She noted that the leadership of the National Assembly had clarified concerns raised about the legislation, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirming that the laws signed by the President reflected what was duly passed by lawmakers.
According to her, the House of Representatives has also taken steps to reassure the public by releasing Certified True Copies of the laws and activating internal review mechanisms to address any lingering concerns.
“These actions demonstrate that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are functioning as designed,” Atoyebi said, adding that constitutional avenues already exist for resolving legislative disputes and are currently being utilised.
She warned that continued public suspicion while institutional processes are ongoing could undermine confidence in democratic structures at a critical time.
Speaking on the substance of the reforms, Atoyebi said Nigeria’s economy has long struggled with weak revenue mobilisation, a narrow tax base, and inefficient tax administration.
She explained that the new tax laws are intended to modernise the system, improve coordination among revenue agencies, and reduce revenue leakages.
According to her, the reforms are crucial to enabling the government to fund infrastructure, social services, and economic diversification without resorting to excessive borrowing.
Atoyebi acknowledged that the reforms may bring short-term discomfort but argued that countries that avoid necessary structural reforms often face more severe economic challenges in the long run.
She also referenced international economic assessments which consistently emphasise fiscal discipline and domestic revenue generation as key drivers of Nigeria’s growth prospects and macroeconomic stability.
While affirming the importance of public debate, Atoyebi stressed that discussions around the tax laws should be evidence-based and focused on the actual provisions of the legislation rather than unverified claims.
“The laws are now operational. The administration has acted within the law, the legislature has exercised its oversight responsibilities, and there are no discrepancies,” she said.
She added that the national interest would be best served by shifting attention from controversy to effective implementation, clarity, compliance, and public understanding of the reforms.
Atoyebi concluded by urging citizens and leaders to engage constructively, allow institutions to function, and support policies aimed at placing Nigeria on a firmer economic footing.
