DOGARA TO FG: BE TRANSPARENT WITH TAX REFORMS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, calling them the boldest overhaul of Nigeria’s fiscal system.
Speaking at the maiden Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture in Abuja, Dogara said the reforms can only gain public trust if revenues are channeled into visible projects like roads, power, hospitals, and schools. He noted that Tinubu inherited a fragile economy marked by huge deficit financing, currency distortions, and misuse of forex allocations, making urgent reforms inevitable.
He explained that the reforms, set to be fully operational by January 2026, aim to simplify taxes, widen the net, and align Nigeria with global standards. On the controversial 5% fuel surcharge, Dogara clarified it is not a new tax but a provision from the FERMA Act, exempting household energy products.
While praising the boldness of the reforms, Dogara flagged challenges of interpretation, manpower, technology, and compliance costs.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Akin Rotimi, commended Tinubu for taking decisive steps to re-engineer tax administration, while FIRS and civil society leaders called for stronger public awareness, media collaboration, and transparent use of revenues.
NUJ Chairperson Grace Ike stressed that Nigerians will only support the reforms if taxes are deployed to improve lives and infrastructure.