Tax Law: All Govs And Entire Country rejected It, they went to NA and removed 1 Or 2 Clauses - Maduabum

 

Hon. CID Maduabum, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has faulted the handling of recent tax reforms, accusing the National Assembly of ignoring widespread opposition from state governors and the general public.

Maduabum made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television while reacting to the controversy surrounding the tax proposals currently generating debate across the country. He said the process leading to the passage of the tax legislation raised serious concerns about inclusiveness, consultation and respect for federal principles.

According to him, the National Economic Council (NEC), which is constitutionally made up of all state governors and chaired by the Vice President, had already rejected the tax proposals after extensive deliberations. He noted that the decision of the NEC reflected not only the position of governors but also the mood of Nigerians who expressed reservations about the reforms.

“This tax issue, the National Economic Council made up of all the governors rejected it and the entire country, but they went to National Assembly and removed one or two clauses and said they have passed it,” Maduabum said.

The former PDP Governors’ Forum director argued that bypassing such a critical advisory body undermines cooperative federalism and weakens trust in the legislative process. He questioned how a matter of such national importance could be pushed through the National Assembly despite clear opposition from key stakeholders.

Maduabum warned that tax policies imposed without broad consensus could worsen economic hardship and fuel public resentment, especially at a time when many Nigerians are already struggling with rising costs of living. He stressed that taxation should be approached with sensitivity, transparency and full engagement of all levels of government.

He further criticised what he described as a pattern of selective legislative action, where contentious provisions are isolated and passed while broader concerns are ignored. According to him, such practices diminish the credibility of the National Assembly and raise doubts about whose interests are being served.