The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu, on Tuesday backed President Bola Tinubu’s policy reforms, especially the ongoing tax reforms to reposition the economy.
He refuted recent media reports alleging the commission’s opposition to Tinubu’s proposed tax amendment bills.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Abuja, Shehu described the reports as “grossly misleading, false, and malicious”.
He said the president’s reforms resulted in about 45 per cent increase in revenue at the beginning of the current administration.
He added that the removal of fuel subsidy also led to a significant increase in revenue accrual to the federation account.
He said before the policy, the average monthly revenue stood at about N650 billion, which had now risen to N1.8 trillion.
The RMAFC boss also noted that the reforms seek to plug leakages and make resources available for development.
He stressed that the president is risking it all to effect necessary changes even in his first term, further demonstrating his commitment and love for the country.
Shehu however, clarified that the RMAFC had been fully engaged in the reform process and is aligned with the president’s vision for an equitable and sustainable fiscal framework, and highlighted the importance of the proposed tax reform bills in addressing the country’s fiscal challenges.
He said, “We applaud President Tinubu’s strong commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s revenue base through bold initiatives. The proposed tax reform bills are a significant step towards integrating untapped revenue sources, enhancing Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio, and positioning the country favourably among nations with high fiscal performance.”
While acknowledging that the issue of Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation and derivation had sparked intense debate, Shehu reassured Nigerians of the commission’s proactive involvement in ensuring that global best practices guide the reform process.
He said, “As a responsible and patriotic institution, we have submitted a comprehensive memorandum that emphasises adherence to global best practices. This position aligns seamlessly with Mr. President’s vision.”
He condemned the spread of misinformation, emphasising that the commission has never opposed the bills but has instead provided professional advice to support their refinement.
The RMAFC boss, therefore, called on Nigerians to disregard baseless reports and urged the media to uphold ethical standards in their reportage.
He said, “It is disheartening to note that, despite our explicit support for the proposed legislation, some individuals have chosen to peddle falsehoods for reasons best known to them.
“These inaccurate statements can undermine the ongoing efforts of patriotic Nigerians tirelessly working to support the President’s vision for the country.”
The chairman further explained that the proposed tax reform bills are currently undergoing consultations, with inputs being sought from expert bodies, and cautioned against misinterpretation or misrepresentation of professional advice during this process.
He said, “The commission is a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, and we take our responsibility to provide expert advice seriously. We have been working closely with the National Assembly to ensure the proposed legislation is robust, effective, and aligned with global best practices.”
He noted that the proposed bills aim to promote fiscal equity, reduce tax evasion, and increase revenue generation—objectives that align with the RMAFC’s mandate.
However, he acknowledged concerns about potential impacts on businesses and individuals, assuring stakeholders that the commission remains committed to addressing these through constructive engagement.
Shehu stressed the importance of relying on factual information to avoid unnecessary controversies and called on all Nigerians to support the President’s bold fiscal reforms.
He added, “At this critical juncture, the President needs the support of all Nigerians. Let us work together to support his vision for a more prosperous Nigeria.”
The RMAFC urged the media to avoid spreading fake news and focus on promoting factual and constructive dialogue for the collective good of the nation.
He explained that the commission views the tax amendment bills as a transformative fiscal stability and economic growth framework.
According to him, Tinubu’s subsidy removal policy had resulted in a significant increase in revenue accrual to the federation account.
He said before the policy, average monthly revenue was about N650 billion, which has now risen to N1.8 trillion.
Further clarifying VAT allocation, he said the commission advised the National Assembly to empower it through one of the bills to allocate VAT revenue in line with its constitutional mandate.
Shehu said the recommendation will address the ongoing debates surrounding VAT distribution and ensuring equity and fairness in revenue allocation.
The commission further called on all national, subnational, and relevant stakeholders to support these tax reform bills, pointing out that their passage will be a turning point for Nigeria’s revenue challenges and enable it to achieve its developmental aspirations.
James Emejo
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