Nigeria Okupe Defends Tax Reforms, Calls Opponents 'Enemies of the Country

Doyin Okupe has called opponents of Nigeria's tax reform bills enemies of the country, emphasizing that the reforms are pro-poor and aim to reduce corruption. He urges the swift passage of the bills, which seek to make tax systems more equitable and sustainable.

Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, has declared that those opposing Nigeria's proposed tax reform bills are enemies of the country. Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, Okupe emphasized that the reforms are designed to protect the poor and promote national development. He argued that anyone who opposes the bills, which include provisions exempting businesses with turnover below 50 million Naira and reducing taxes for struggling companies, is against the country's progress.

Okupe further highlighted that the reforms aim to reduce corruption and shift the nation's financial reliance on oil to a more sustainable tax-based system. He criticized northern opposition to the bills, stating they have no valid reasons for opposing such pro-poor measures. Okupe praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its achievements in revenue generation and called on President Tinubu to monitor all revenue-generating agencies to eliminate corruption.

The tax reform bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and other key legislation, were presented to the National Assembly in October at the request of President Tinubu. Okupe urged swift passage of the reforms to address Nigeria's economic challenges and curb corruption. He also emphasized the importance of using emerging technologies to fight corruption within revenue-generating agencies.