Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, called for transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the National Assembly’s ongoing review of the Tax Reform Bills.
In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku expressed concern about Nigeria’s uneven development and stressed the need for a fiscal system that ensures justice and equity among the country’s federating units.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest,” he said.
“Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that promotes justice, fairness, and equity.
The fiscal system we seek must not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units by favouring a few states while unfairly penalising others,” he continued.
Atiku urged the National Assembly to ensure that the public hearing process for the bills is conducted with objectivity and inclusiveness.
He emphasized the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, including civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and economic experts.
“As a concerned stakeholder, I firmly believe that transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making,” he stated.
“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders,” he continued.
Atiku also called on the legislature to revisit and publish the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC), describing it as a key advisory body for shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.
“The National Assembly must ensure that, in the final analysis, the contents of the bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” he added.
Atiku’s remarks come amid growing public debate over the proposed Tax Reform Bills, with widespread concerns about their potential impact on economic justice and regional development.
His call highlights the need for a transparent, equitable approach to reform that addresses disparities while fostering national unity and economic stability.
The ongoing legislative review of the Tax Reform Bills is seen as a crucial step in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal future, with calls for fairness and inclusivity echoing across the nation.
