By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

Find below the positions of some of the key groups in the country among the 200 which sent

memoranda to the National Assembly (NASS) on the three controversial tax bills put together by the Tinubu administration

NLC: No to VAT hike
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), representing workers across various sectors, raised concerns about the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increase. They argued that the VAT hike would disproportionately affect the poor, as it would increase the cost of basic goods and services. Instead, the NLC proposed that the government focus on improving the efficiency of tax collection and curbing wastage in public spending before considering such increases.

ACF: Pro-growth and Fiscal Stability
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) emphasized the need for the three bills to support national development through balanced taxation that does not stifle growth in the private sector.

In its memorandum, the ACF proposed that the bills prioritize pro-business tax incentives to attract investments in northern Nigeria, where economic development has lagged due to insecurity and infrastructure challenges.

The group also called for a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) for essential commodities to ease the economic burden on lower-income Nigerians.

ASUU: Safeguarding Education Funding
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), representing Nigeria’s academic community, highlighted the potential impact of tax reforms on educational funding.

In its submission, ASUU expressed concern that the tax reform bills could reduce federal allocations to the education sector.

The union recommended specific tax exemptions for institutions of higher learning, noting that universities rely heavily on government funding for infrastructure development and research.

ASUU also advocated for the reintroduction of a tax on luxury goods, which they believe would generate additional revenue without burdening ordinary Nigerians.





https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/three-tax-bills-over-200-voices/