Tax Reform Bills: Senator Dickson Calls for Massive Consultation

Senator Seriake Dickson has voiced his support for the tax reform bills currently being considered by the National Assembly, stating that there is nothing inherently wrong with the proposed legislation.

However, he emphasized the need for extensive consultations to address concerns raised by stakeholders.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, the former Bayelsa State governor described the revenue-sharing model proposed in the bills as fair and a step towards addressing longstanding inequities.

“There is nothing unfair in the revenue-sharing model proposed in the bills,” Dickson said, adding that the ongoing debates and disagreements surrounding the bills reflect the vibrancy of Nigeria’s democracy.

He cautioned against politicizing or ethnicizing the issue, urging leaders to approach the matter with a national perspective.

“At our level, we have to aspire to be national politicians.

We can have healthy conversations and even arguments—that’s what parliaments are for. We’re not there to always agree,” the Bayelsa-born lawmaker said.

Dickson further highlighted the need to correct systemic disparities, particularly in the oil-producing Niger Delta region.

He pointed out that while oil workers are flown into the region to work, their income taxes are often paid in states like Lagos.

“I’m supporting it because every week, oil workers are flown in from Lagos State to Bayelsa, Brass, and other parts of the Niger Delta to work, and they go back. Do you know where the payees of those workers are paid? Lagos. We have to correct that,” he stated.

While acknowledging that he is not a member of the ruling party, Dickson said he recognized the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and his administration to address systemic issues through the tax reforms.

“I’ve not even seen the President. We’re in different parties, but I can see when something is being done to address a problem. I don’t need anybody to come and tell me,” he concluded.

The tax reform bills have sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some praising the initiative as a move toward equity, while others have expressed concerns over its implementation and potential regional impacts.