The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed rumours that the federal government of Nigeria plans to outsource revenue collection to Alpha-Beta, a consulting firm alleged to have links to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Oyedele clarified the matter during a town hall meeting organized by Channels TV on Monday, December 2, 2024.
“There is no plan whatsoever to use consultants for federal tax collection,” Oyedele said firmly.
He added, “In fact, we debated including a clause in the law to prohibit any government from using a consultant to collect tax. This is one of the biggest challenges in our economy today.”
Alpha-Beta, known for its role in managing Lagos State’s internally generated revenue in exchange for a commission, has been the subject of public scrutiny amidst the federal government’s introduction of four tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
The proposed legislation, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, has sparked widespread debate.
While some Nigerians and lawmakers support the reforms, critics allege that the bills could favor certain regions of the country over others.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has called on President Tinubu to withdraw the bills for further consultation. Addressing these concerns, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed claims that the bills aim to impoverish northern states, describing such allegations as baseless.
“The tax reform bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country,” Onanuga stated. “Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially those struggling to make a living.”
Onanuga explained that the bills propose consolidating various earmarked taxes into a single levy to streamline the tax system. “This approach ensures a fair distribution of resources while reducing the tax burden on businesses,” he added.
President Tinubu has prioritized tax reform as a cornerstone of his administration, with the goal of fostering economic growth and attracting investment. Oyedele emphasized that these reforms are essential to creating a more competitive business environment in Nigeria.
“Multiple taxes have made Nigeria uncompetitive for investment, forcing some companies to relocate to other countries. These reforms are necessary to deliver the prosperity Nigerians deserve,” Oyedele concluded.
