Why Pantami Feels Uneasy About Specific Tax Reform Bill Provisions
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has expressed concerns about several sections of the tax reform bills currently being proposed in Nigeria.
Pantami stated that certain provisions of the bills make him uncomfortable, particularly with regard to the potential negative impact on businesses and digital economic activities.
While he supports the need for tax reforms to improve the country’s revenue generation, Pantami emphasized that some provisions might stifle innovation, digital growth, and the expansion of the tech industry, which are critical for Nigeria’s economic development.
He called for a balance between enhancing tax collection and fostering an environment that allows businesses, especially in the digital and tech sectors, to thrive.
Pantami’s discomfort revolves around the possibility that some of the proposed measures could disproportionately burden digital businesses, especially startups, which are essential to driving economic diversification and creating job opportunities.
He urged for careful consideration of the long-term effects of the reforms on various sectors of the economy.