KANO (North-West, Nigeria) — A member representing Gaya, Ajingi and Albasu Federal Constituency at the House of Representative, Dr. Mustapha Ghali has described the proposed tax reform bill as ill timed.
This was as he said that Nigeria is not yet ripe for the implementation of the proposed tax reform bill.
The New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP stalwart who made this known while speaking with newsmen in Kano, said in other countries where the reform is implemented and working effectively, the government had provided conducive environment and development for the well being of the citizens which he said the reverse is the case in Nigeria.
He however called on northerners at all levels to unite and speak with one voice to stop move towards implementation of the bill.
According to him, “several countries across the world have implemented the tax reform bill and it is working for them. But at what point? You have to provide conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace.
“Take for instance, England, United Arab Emirates, UAE and Saudi Arabia, where they implemented the bill and it is working for them. The government were able to do so based on the development provided and taxes collected from the well to do to ensure the sustainability of the developmental projects.
“So what we are saying is Nigeria is not yet ripe for the implementation of the proposed bill. It is not like we totally rejected it but the government have to provide the development and conducive environment before implementing the tax reform bill.
“I however appeal to northern lawmakers, governors, elders, business men and women, academicians and all relevant stakeholders to put heads together to ensure that the bill is set aside,” he said.
The first timer lawmaker at the green chamber, however, said so far he has sponsored about 10 bills on the floor of the house including the bill seeking for the establishment of a Federal Medical College in Gaya which has scaled third reading and to be forwarded to the Senate and the President for their approvals.
Dr. Ghali maintained that if the Medical College was established it will go a long way in addressing inadequate medical personnel and improve well being of citizens within the area and environs.
“While the other bills were those seeking for the establishment of Federal Medical Centre in Ajingi and Federal College of Agriculture in Albasu which will further uplift healthcare delivery and on the other side boost the capacity of farmers to the best practices.
“I have written a letter to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to establish a Dam in my constituency to enable farmers to engage in all-season farming,” the lawmaker, Dr. Ghali however stated.
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