Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has addressed concerns raised by northern Muslim scholars and groups over the Tax Reform Bill, particularly claims that it contradicts Islamic injunctions by taxing family inheritance.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Onanuga emphasized that the bill does not propose taxation on family inheritance, a practice forbidden in Islam. He clarified that the referenced section of the bill pertains to income and not inheritance.
Onanuga highlighted Chapter 2, Part 1, Section 4, Sub-section 3** of the National Tax Bill, which reads:
“Income of a family recognized under any law or custom in Nigeria as family income in which several interests of individual members of the family cannot be separately determined.”
He stated that this provision addresses family income generated from shared activities or ventures where individual contributions cannot be specifically accounted for. It does not, in any way, propose taxing inherited wealth.
Onanuga acknowledged the concerns raised by respected scholars from northern Nigeria but stressed that the misinterpretation could lead to unnecessary rejection of the bill. He urged stakeholders to review the bill carefully, noting that it aligns with Islamic principles regarding inheritance.
The Tax Reform Bill, part of President Tinubu’s broader fiscal agenda, has been met with resistance from various quarters, including civil society groups and regional leaders.
Northern opposition, however, has been particularly vocal, citing fears that the legislation might conflict with Islamic tenets and unfairly impact the region.
This clarification from the presidency aims to allay these concerns and ensure that discussions around the bill are grounded in accurate interpretations. Whether it will ease tensions remains to be seen as consultations continue.