The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has refuted allegations that it opposes President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, categorically dismissed the claims as “false and malicious.” He emphasized the Commission’s unwavering support for the proposed reforms and clarified its active involvement in the process.
“These reports are misleading. The RMAFC fully supports the tax reform bills and has been an integral part of the reform process,” Shehu stated.
The proposed tax reforms, which have sparked considerable debate in recent weeks, aim to address issues such as the allocation and derivation of Value Added Tax (VAT), tax evasion, and fiscal fairness.
Dr. Shehu outlined the RMAFC’s contributions to the legislative effort, including the submission of a detailed memorandum that aligns with global best practices and President Tinubu’s vision for a fairer and more sustainable fiscal framework.
“We applaud President Tinubu’s strong commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s revenue base through bold initiatives designed to tackle fiscal challenges,” Shehu said. “The proposed reforms are pivotal for tapping into untapped revenue sources, improving Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio, and enhancing the country’s fiscal performance on a global scale.”
Reaffirming the RMAFC’s role in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, Shehu noted that the Commission’s mandate includes providing professional advice on fiscal matters and ensuring an equitable revenue-sharing formula among the three tiers of government.
“The RMAFC is committed to collaborating with the National Assembly to ensure the tax reform bills are robust, effective, and aligned with global standards,” he added.
Shehu acknowledged concerns raised about the potential impact of the reforms on businesses and individuals but assured stakeholders of the Commission’s dedication to addressing these issues constructively.
“Our objective is to promote fiscal equity, reduce tax evasion, and boost revenue generation. These goals are consistent with the RMAFC’s mandate and essential to building a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing the spread of misinformation, Shehu urged the media to uphold high journalistic standards by prioritizing accuracy and fairness in reporting.
“We regret the circulation of false reports suggesting our opposition to the reforms. Such misinformation undermines public trust and the nation’s ongoing fiscal reforms,” he warned.
Shehu concluded by encouraging Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s vision for economic transformation and to rally behind the proposed tax reforms.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms, which hold immense potential to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape,” he said.
The RMAFC also reiterated its pledge to continue providing technical input and professional guidance to advance the administration’s fiscal policy objectives.
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