President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s four proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, asserting that they are designed to promote equity, boost revenue, and streamline tax administration in Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday through the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Joseph Ochoku, the President emphasized the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government. He made these remarks at the 7th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 75th posthumous birthday of the former governor of Oyo State, held at the University of Ibadan.
The roundtable, organized by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, focused on the theme: “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
Highlighting the need for harmonious governance, Tinubu stated, “Effective governance is a shared responsibility. Collaboration, not confrontation, must define our interactions as we work towards the collective goal of improving the lives of our people.”
He outlined the significance of the tax reform bills, saying, “These reforms promise to streamline tax administration, enhance revenue generation, and promote equitable resource allocation. They are pivotal to building an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria, making our country competitive enough to attract foreign direct investment.”
Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom, accountability, and insulating the functions of each arm of government from divisive sentiments.
The President lauded the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi for his legacy in infrastructure, healthcare, education, mechanized agriculture, and security during his two terms in office. “Ajimobi was a committed party man and a visionary leader who contributed significantly to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013,” Tinubu added.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who also spoke at the event, justified the National Assembly’s decision to name its library after Tinubu. “This is the first time in history that a former senator has become President. Naming the library after him reflects this historic achievement,” he explained.
Barau emphasized the importance of legislative oversight, describing it as the foundation of democratic governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective use of public funds.
Other dignitaries at the event included APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, House of Representatives Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and traditional leaders like the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in his address, stressed that legislative oversight must involve collaboration with the executive while respecting the separation of powers and institutional integrity.
