Restructuring key to tax reform success, says Edwin Clark

Elder statesman and leader of a prominent Nigerian group emphasized the necessity of restructuring the country as the ultimate solution to the ongoing debates surrounding the Tax Reform Bills. He highlighted that restructuring would pave the way for addressing the arguments for and against the reforms, either through the creation of a new constitution or by adopting a previous one. The former National Commissioner for Information underscored the need for a thorough constitutional review of the country’s fiscal federalism to resolve the controversies surrounding the tax reform bills. He also stressed the importance of political consensus building among stakeholders to ensure sustainable tax reforms across political transitions. The elder statesman pointed out that the complexity of Nigeria’s tax system stems from a variety of factors, including constitutional mandates, legislative provisions, and revenue collection challenges. He suggested that the country’s tax system should prioritize improving collection processes and central remittance to boost overall tax revenue. Additionally, he criticized past leaders for failing to effectively manage the country’s diversity and implement sound fiscal policies.