Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, has countered Senator Ali Ndume’s assertion that the Federal Government’s proposed tax reform bill is “dead on arrival” in the National Assembly.
Dare acknowledged Senator Ndume as an outspoken and experienced legislator but expressed surprise at his comments, noting that such a statement was unexpected from a ranking senator of the Federal Republic. He reaffirmed that the tax bill is “well and alive.”
Ndume, who represents Borno South, made his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Todayprogram last Tuesday, criticizing the tax reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He claimed that the bill, which is undergoing legislative scrutiny, faces significant resistance and will ultimately fail.
Dare responded sharply, stating, “Senator Ndume’s remarks reflect a misunderstanding that could be clarified by the facts. The tax bill is not dead on arrival. It is well and alive, and that is why we are having this conversation.”
The presidential aide praised President Tinubu for setting up the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, which drew input from experts across the public and private sectors to draft the now-debated bill. According to Dare, the President’s vision is evident in the recommendations provided by the committee.
He explained that these recommendations formed the basis of the Economic Stabilization Bills (ESB), approved by the Federal Executive Council in September as part of the government’s Accelerated Stability and Advancement Plan (ASAP). The ESB aims to amend 15 tax and fiscal laws to bolster economic stability and promote inclusive growth.
“The ESB seeks to reduce inflation, support monetary policy, strengthen the naira, enhance fiscal discipline, create jobs, alleviate poverty, and boost export promotion and economic diversification,” Dare stated.
Ndume, on his part, argued that he had consulted with colleagues in the Senate to reject the bill, asserting that it “makes no political sense” to back a proposal already opposed by Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers, and the National Economic Council, which includes all 36 state governors.
In his defense of the bill, Dare urged Senator Ndume to take a closer look at its provisions before making conclusions. He highlighted several proposed benefits, including reducing the corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25% over two years, exempting small businesses from certain taxes, and implementing a 0% VAT on essential sectors such as food, education, and healthcare.
