Dogara backs Tinubu’s tax reforms, says they are vital for Nigeria’s economic survival

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, describing them as a lifeline for Nigeria’s struggling economy rather than a burden on citizens.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the ‘Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture’ organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps, Dogara hailed the reforms as “the most audacious fiscal overhaul in decades.”

According to him, the measures are essential to stabilising Nigeria’s finances after years of what he called “voodoo economics” by past administrations.

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According to him, by the time Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s economy was already on the brink of collapse, citing “reckless” printing of N22.7 trillion as “ways and means,” dual exchange rates that created instant billionaires from arbitrage, and crude oil sales tied to loans as part of the financial chaos inherited.

“From day one, it was clear something urgent, nay revolutionary, had to be done to prevent an economic implosion. Every reformer knows that progress is not promised; it is fought for. President Tinubu held his line courageously, despite fierce opposition from vested interests who would rather see him fail than succeed,” he said.

He explained that the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform led by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele consolidated 16 fragmented statutes into four principal Acts; the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Act, ushering in a modern, harmonised framework.

Dogara stressed that the reform’s intent was to “protect the poor, empower businesses, encourage investment, and ensure fairness.”

He urged citizens to see taxation as a covenant of trust between government and the governed.

“True reform is not about raising rates but about raising trust. When people see where their Naira goes in roads, power, hospitals, schools; they will proudly give it. This reform must be a pact: if citizens contribute diligently, government must deploy resources responsibly,”he said.

The former Speaker said the success of Tinubu’s reforms will not be measured by how much revenue is raised, but by whether they deliver transparency, equity, and national competitiveness.

“The waters ahead may be uncharted but the destination is clear: a self-reliant, economically vibrant, and globally competitive Nigeria,”he said.

Special Assistant to the FIRS Chairman on Tax Policy, Mr. Olufemi Olarinde, who represented the Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, acknowledged the historic role of the press as the “fourth estate of the realm,” stressing that its influence on public opinion makes it indispensable to the success of Nigeria’s economic and tax reforms.

He urged journalists to go beyond surface reporting by fully acquainting themselves with the new tax laws, insisting that effective communication of reforms can only come from deep understanding.

He stressed that poor or shallow communication often distorts the objectives of reforms and may create misconceptions among citizens.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold tax reforms, describing them as a decisive step toward simplifying compliance, broadening the tax net, and easing the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

Abbas was represented by the House Spokesperson and Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr.

He said the establishment of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and the harmonisation of tax collection processes set to take effect in January 2026, represents “a significant intervention that promises to re-engineer our tax administration architecture for greater efficiency, fairness, and transparency.”

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, said the lecture was designed to provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature, stressing that taxation has become “one of the most contentious issues of our time.”

“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” she stated.

He explained that the maiden lecture was not only about examining Tinubu’s reform policies but also about demystifying the legislature, which she described as “the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria.”

He noted that the inaugural guest lecturer was chosen for his track record of legislative leadership, having presided over the 8th House that passed historic bills and promoted democratic consolidation.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) threw its weight behind ongoing tax reforms in Nigeria, urging the government to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in their implementation.

Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani said the reforms, if properly implemented, would strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal position and ensure that taxes serve the interests of citizens rather than being diverted through loopholes and weak enforcement.

“Nigeria is losing a lot of revenue due to tax avoidance, evasion, and the failure of international corporations operating in our country to meet their obligations. In addition, we have seen a situation where multiple government agencies want to play the role of tax collectors, creating exploitation and dual taxation. A unified, transparent system is urgently needed,” he said.