Senator Orji Kalu has expressed concerns about the Nigerian government’s handling of the controversial tax reform bills. In an interview with Arise Television on Monday, Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, said the government made a mistake by not involving important groups like the National Executive Council, the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, and the Council of State in the decision-making process.

Kalu pointed out that many key figures and organizations, including Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Northern Governor’s Forum, and the National Economic Council, have voiced opposition to the tax reforms. Despite this opposition, Kalu emphasized that the tax bills are progressive and could bring back fiscal federalism to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, he faulted the initiators of bills for not carrying key stakeholders along saying, “As I told you before, the bill is very progressive. It will bring back fiscal federalism. Many senators have not been briefed. I think the federal government made a mistake. The initiators of the bills would have briefed the National Economic Council, Governors’ forum”.

The Nigerian government introduced several tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, to the National Assembly in October 2024. These bills gained traction last week when they were passed for a second reading in the Senate. However, calls from groups like the Northern Governor’s Forum and the National Economic Council to withdraw the bills have not been heeded.

Kalu’s criticism reflects the growing debate over the future of Nigeria’s tax system and the need for broader consultation and agreement before making significant changes.