Federal Government Highlights Importance of Public Debates on Tax Reform Bills for Democratic Governance
The Federal Government has emphasized the importance of public debates on the Tax Reform Bills, describing them as vital to democratic governance.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this assertion on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the management of the Progressives Institute, led by its Director General, Dr. Lanre Adedayo. The minister highlighted that constructive engagement with stakeholders and citizens ensures government policies align with the needs and aspirations of the populace.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris reaffirmed that public debates are a democratic right, offering citizens the platform to interrogate and improve government policies.
“There will always be the opportunity to have a healthy debate so that whatever government puts forward can be made better,” he said. “Therefore, Nigerians have the democratic right to interrogate government policies, provided the commentaries are healthy and geared towards making the policies better.”
The minister dismissed concerns that the Tax Reform Bills aim to marginalize any region of the country, stating that the reforms are designed to promote inclusive growth and stimulate economic activities nationwide.
Idris urged Nigerians to actively engage in discussions about government policies, emphasizing that their contributions are essential to strengthening the country’s democratic processes.
The ongoing debates, he added, reflect the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in policy-making, further underscoring the role of public participation in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
