Tax Reform Bills: Driving Revenue and Supporting Investments – Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu

ONN London 23.01.2025

Tax Reform Bills: Driving Revenue and Supporting Investments – Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu

…Discusses IPOB Leader, Advocates for Peace in the South East

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has emphasized that the primary goal of the proposed tax reform bills is to enhance Nigeria’s revenue generation while creating a conducive environment for both local and international investments.

Speaking during the UK-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue in London with Rt. Hon. Lord Collins of Highbury, Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and UK Minister for African Affairs, Kalu highlighted the urgent need to update Nigeria’s tax laws to align with global standards.

“Our tax laws are outdated. We are working to streamline them in line with international best practices to drive revenue and support investors who are currently burdened by irregular and overlapping tax regimes. This will provide clarity and reduce instances of multiple taxation,” Kalu said.

The National Assembly is presently reviewing several bills aimed at reforming Nigeria’s fiscal framework. These include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

Legislative Priorities and Investment Opportunities

Highlighting the 10th House of Representatives’ legislative agenda, Kalu outlined its focus areas: national security, economic growth, social sector reforms, law modernization, environmental sustainability, and inclusion. He also urged the UK and the global business community to view Nigeria as a prime investment destination.

“Nigeria is ready for business,” he stated. “We encourage increased trade missions and investments beyond oil and gas, particularly in green metals and emerging industries.”

Constitutional and Electoral Reforms

As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu outlined key areas for constitutional amendments, including:

• Enhancing women’s participation in politics through special legislative seats.

• Strengthening local government autonomy to improve service delivery.

• Establishing state policing to address localized security challenges.

• Advancing human rights oversight to ensure compliance with international standards.

• Reforming the judiciary for improved efficiency.

• Modernizing the electoral framework to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

Strengthening Nigeria-UK Partnerships

Kalu expressed gratitude to the UK government and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for supporting Nigeria’s institutional development through training programs and consultative workshops. He called for expanded UK support in areas such as security collaboration, human rights advocacy, electoral reforms, and parliamentary exchanges to strengthen democratic practices.

“The partnership between Nigeria and the UK is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and addressing global challenges like migration, technology, healthcare, and food security,” Kalu said.

South East Peace Advocacy and IPOB

Addressing security challenges in the South East, Kalu discussed his non-kinetic peace initiative, the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P). This project promotes dialogue and reconciliation in a region marked by the scars of the civil war and ongoing agitation.

Kalu revealed ongoing efforts to secure the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as part of the peace process.

“To achieve peace in the South East, we must address Kanu’s detention. His incarceration has been exploited by criminals to justify heinous acts. A political solution is vital, and I have appealed to President Tinubu, a listening leader, for his release. If Kanu is freed, he will join the peace advocacy as an ambassador, helping to rebuild trust and end violence,” Kalu explained.

Kalu underscored that the President’s recent signing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Act demonstrates his commitment to rebuilding the region. “The Biafra I seek is one of development—good roads, hospitals, and schools—not secession,” he emphasized.

Dialogue with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

In a separate meeting with Hon. Kate Osamor of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at Westminster, Kalu urged continued UK support for Nigeria’s democracy. Osamor, who has Nigerian roots, praised President Tinubu’s establishment of the SEDC, recognizing it as a vital step toward integrating and developing the South East.

The CPA announced plans to visit Nigeria in March 2025 for further engagement with stakeholders on key parliamentary issues.