Tax reform bills ‘ll strengthen fiscal federalism, state speakers back Tinubu 

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts on the tax reform bills currently undergoing legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly.

While expressing their total support, the conference said it remain committed to strengthening democracy, promoting legislative independence, and ensuring good governance across all states of the federation.

In a communique made available to Blueprint Sunday in Abuja, after a meeting held at weekend, signed by the Conference’s Director General, Busari Sarafadeen and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, said the bills are expected to strengthen fiscal federalism by empowering states with greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration, enabling them to fund critical infrastructure and public services for sustainable development.

The conference also emphasized the need for strict compliance to the Constitution and enabling laws in removing state Houses of Assembly presiding officers, if such becomes necessary.

”The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly and emphasizes that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws.

“We appeal to all critical stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm and ensure adherence to these provisions for the peace and progress of the state.”

On the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Conference noted the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, however called on the state governor Sim Fubara to promote stability and progress.

“On the leadership Change in the Lagos State House of Assembly: The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly and emphasizes that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws. We appeal to all critical stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm and ensure adherence to these provisions for the peace and progress of the state.

“Tax Reform Bills: The Conference commends the President’s efforts on the tax reform bills currently undergoing legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly. We acknowledge the citizens’ concerns and believe these will guide lawmakers in passing legislation that serves the nation’s overall interests. If enacted, the reforms are expected to strengthen fiscal federalism by empowering states with greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration, enabling them to fund critical infrastructure and public services for sustainable development.”