The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed confidence that the Tax Reform Bills will become law despite opposition from some quarters.
In an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Dickson noted that the bills are not substantially different from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which was passed despite initial misgivings.
Dickson urged individuals and groups with concerns about the bills to take advantage of the proposed public hearing to present their positions.
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He cited the example of the PIA, which contained a 3% statutory fee payable to host communities, despite the Niger Delta Leaders’ insistence on 10% as recommended in the executive bill.
Dickson emphasized that the tax reform bills aim to correct anomalies in the current tax laws and ensure that taxes are paid to the state where goods and services are consumed.
“The Senate has passed the bills for second reading, and public hearing will take place. People should get ready to present their positions,” Dickson said.
He dismissed fears of uproar during the public hearing, stating that it is an opportunity for people to present their matters without intimidation.