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Tax Reforms should benefit Nigerians, not politics – Hon. Lalu
Honourable Ishaya David Lalu is a Nigerian politician and academic, currently representing the Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In this interview with CHRISTIANA LOT, the lawmaker discussed his legislative priorities, efforts towards constituency development, and his views on key national issues, including the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
Excerpts:
The Nigerian Tax Administration Bill has sparked significant debate across the country. What are your thoughts on its key provisions and how they could impact governance and economic development?
The Tax Administration Bill is critical but also contentious. It seeks to reform our tax system, which is long overdue. However, I have concerns about some of its provisions. One major issue is the excessive concentration of power in the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) chairman. This individual is expected to chair the Technical Committee, the Nigerian Revenue Governing Council, and the Joint Revenue Tax Board.
Such centralization of power can lead to inefficiencies or abuse. We must strike a balance by decentralizing some of these roles. For instance, while the chairman can head the Technical Committee due to its technical nature, the Governing Council requires an independent chairperson for proper oversight. Similarly, the Minister of Finance could chair the Joint Revenue Tax Board to ensure accountability.
What about the bill’s revenue allocation and VAT derivation changes?
The bill proposes pooling all tax revenues into a single account. While this sounds efficient, it raises concerns about transparency. Citizens are right to ask: Who will manage this pool? Who will ensure proper disclosure of revenue generated? These questions must be answered before we move forward.
On VAT derivation, the shift from the point of generation to the point of consumption is also controversial. While VAT is fundamentally a consumption tax, implementing this change requires clarity to avoid mismanagement. Additionally, increasing the derivation share from 20% to 60% is excessive. A more moderate adjustment—say, to 40%—would be more equitable and prevent potential discontent among states.
There have been concerns about trust among regions regarding tax reforms. How do you see this affecting national unity?
Trust is indeed a major issue. During debates, some members claimed that states like Lagos would lose revenue under the new derivation formula, which isn’t accurate. Such statements only create unnecessary divisions. We need reforms that foster trust and unity, not ones that deepen regional suspicions.
Beyond the Tax Administration Bill, what are your thoughts on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)?
The MTEF is another area of concern. Its projections don’t align with economic realities. For instance, it predicts GDP growth to decline from 5.5% in 2026 to 4.5%, yet inflation is expected to reduce. Economically, slower growth often leads to higher inflation due to reduced output.
There’s also a discrepancy between the foreign exchange rates in the 2025 budget and the MTEF. The budget projects ₦1,500 per dollar, while the MTEF states ₦1,400. Such inconsistencies must be addressed to restore confidence in our economic planning.
Shifting focus, let’s discuss your legislative priorities. What key initiatives have you championed so far?
My legislative work focuses on addressing the critical needs of my constituency and the nation. Let me highlight a few key bills:
1. Federal Medical Center in Mangu
Plateau State’s central zone lacks a tertiary healthcare provider, unlike the northern and southern zones. This bill seeks to establish a Federal Medical Center in Mangu to bridge this gap. The center will provide advanced medical care, create employment opportunities, and serve as a training hub for healthcare professionals.
The bill has made remarkable progress, and I’m optimistic that it will soon become a reality. This project will significantly reduce the travel burden on residents seeking tertiary healthcare and improve overall health outcomes.
2. National Highland Crops and Vegetable Research Institute in Bokkos
Agriculture is the lifeblood of my constituency, particularly in Bokkos, where crops like sweet and Irish potatoes, strawberries…… thrive. However, farmers face challenges such as poor yields and crop diseases.
This bill aims to establish a research institute dedicated to improving crop varieties, enhancing disease resistance, and introducing innovative farming techniques. The institute will boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and contribute to the national GDP.
3. Federal College of Nursing
Plateau State currently lacks a federal nursing or midwifery institution. This bill proposes establishing a Federal College of Nursing to address the shortage of healthcare workers. The institution will provide quality training, reducing the manpower deficit in our healthcare system.
4. Constitutional Amendment for Supreme Court Representation
Currently, Section 230(1)(b) of the Constitution limits Supreme Court justices to 21, which doesn’t reflect federal character. My amendment seeks to expand this to 37, ensuring every state and the Federal Capital Territory has representation. This will enhance equity, public trust, and the court’s efficiency in handling cases.
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Your role involves more than lawmaking. How have you approached oversight and infrastructural development?
As Deputy Chairman of the House Services Committee, I oversee National Assembly management. Transparency and accountability are central to my work.
In my constituency, I prioritized continuity by allowing my predecessor to complete 2023 budget projects while preparing for my initiatives in 2024. For instance, I secured ₦1.5 billion to establish a Federal Science and Technical College in Mangun. Construction begins in January 2025, with an additional ₦1 billion included in the 2025 budget.
We’re also addressing connectivity issues by constructing a road linking Mangu and Bokkos. This project will improve trade, relationships, and access to essential services between these communities.
Agriculture and food security are critical in Nigeria. What steps have you taken to address these in your constituency?
Agriculture is vital to our people. This year, I distributed 10,000 packs of fertilizer across 30 wards. This initiative has significantly boosted soil quality and crop yields, directly benefiting farmers.
Food security is tied to stability. A hungry community is more likely to face insecurity. By supporting agriculture, we’re not just improving livelihoods but also fostering peace.
Security remains a pressing concern. How have you worked to improve safety in your constituency?
Security starts at the grassroots. I organized the first-ever conflict resolution and capacity-building program for traditional institutions in Mangu and Bokkos.
The program trained traditional leaders in communication, information management, and alternative dispute resolution. By strengthening local intelligence networks, we’ve significantly reduced insecurity and fostered peace in our communities.
Education is a recurring theme in your initiatives. Can you elaborate on your achievements?
Education is foundational to development. We’ve established four boarding schools in Mangu and Bokkos, improving access to quality education.
Additionally, I oversaw the construction of six fully furnished classroom blocks at JSS MBAR in Bokkos, completed within six months. These projects ensure our children have the resources they need to succeed academically.
Finally, as we approach the festive season, how do you connect with your constituents during this time?
Last Christmas, we distributed over 4,200 bags of rice to churches and stakeholders, ensuring everyone could celebrate. This year, we’re expanding our efforts with more initiatives, including free medical treatments.
In 2024, we treated over 24,000 people in a week. By 2025, I aim to reach 72,000 individuals in three weeks. These efforts reflect my commitment to improving lives and making every celebration meaningful for our people.
What drives you as a leader?
My greatest motivation is touching lives meaningfully. Whether it’s through legislation, infrastructure, healthcare, or agriculture, my goal is to serve with integrity and commitment. Leadership is about making a difference, and I’ll continue to work tirelessly for the progress of Mangu and Bokkos.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.
The police chief, however, directed the Kano State command of the force to obtain the monarch’s statement in the State regarding the incident.
Egbetokun, who gave the directive through the spokesman of the police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the withdrawal became imperative following the intervention of some stakeholders in the country.
The top cop also said his resolve was in line with the police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted.
The Inspire Her Conference & Awards 2025, set to take place in Abuja on 17th April, promises to be a celebration of female leadership, resilience, and achievement across Africa.
The event will be led by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Honourable Minister for State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, alongside other influential women leaders.
The conference and awards, organised by the Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine and Rest Logic Nigeria, will honour a diverse group of exceptional women for their contributions to society and leadership.
Among the distinguished recipients of the Inspire Her Award are Halima Buba, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Trust Bank; Hajiya Umma Getso, the 2019 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP); Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of NEXIM Bank; and Engr. Fatima Umar Farouk, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs.
The conference will also highlight the achievements of other accomplished female leaders, aiming to inspire women across the continent and encourage resilience, inclusion, and progress.
With the theme “Accelerate Action: Building Resilience,” the conference will address key issues such as gender equality, leadership inclusion, human capital development, work-life balance, and poverty eradication.
In addition to the award ceremony, the event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, creating a platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing African women today.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with top female leaders from both corporate and private sectors, share ideas, and explore potential solutions to enhance women’s roles in leadership and societal progress.
Amb. Jeremiah Agala, Executive Director of the Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative, and Co-Convener Dr. Joy Franklyn Ekemezie, emphasised that the conference would highlight the excellence, hard work, and resilience of African and Nigerian women.
“This year’s conference will feature the Inspire Her Fire Chat, a new addition designed to provide deeper insights into the journeys of our honourees and inspire the next generation of women leaders,” Agala said.
The event, which is expected to attract over 1,000 participants, will take place at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotels in Abuja, with a diverse audience that includes female youth leaders, students, women’s organisations, decision-makers, and the international community.
With a limited number of slots available, organisers are urging those interested to register early, as admission is strictly by registration.
The conference promises to be a powerful event, one that will not only celebrate the success of African women but also create pathways for future empowerment and leadership.
Early Sunday, a missile barrage targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, injuring at least three individuals and igniting multiple fires, according to the city’s mayor. This attack occurred just two days after a Russian strike in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown resulted in the deaths of 18 people.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that emergency services were dispatched to two districts within Kyiv, while the Ukrainian air force confirmed that missiles had penetrated the northern Chernihiv region.
“Explosions have been reported in the capital, and air defense systems are currently engaged,” Klitschko stated on Telegram. He urged residents to seek shelter, warning, “The missile assault on Kyiv persists.”
So far, three injuries have been recorded, with fires erupting in non-residential structures and damage inflicted on eight vehicles.
This onslaught coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, over three years into Moscow’s extensive invasion, while also seeking to mend relations with the Kremlin.
Poland’s military announced that it, along with allied forces, had taken to the skies in response to Russian strikes near the western Ukrainian border, with ground-based air defense systems on high alert.
“Due to the heightened activity of long-range Russian aviation targeting locations within western Ukraine, Polish and allied aircraft operations in our airspace have commenced,” stated its operational command on X. “These measures are intended to ensure security in regions bordering the threatened zones.”
On Sunday, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that its air defense units had intercepted and destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones.
**Zelensky Critiques U.S. Response**
On Saturday, President Zelensky criticized the U.S. embassy for what he termed a “weak” statement that failed to hold Russia accountable for the recent deadly missile strike on his hometown of Kryvyi Rig.
The missile impacted a residential area near a children’s playground in central Ukraine, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine children, aged between three and 17. In a heartfelt social media post, Zelensky called out the U.S. embassy for its reluctance to name Russia as the aggressor.
“Regrettably, the American embassy’s response is surprisingly disappointing: such a powerful nation, yet such a feeble reaction,” Zelensky remarked. “They hesitate to even mention ‘Russian’ when discussing the missile that claimed the lives of children.”
Zelensky’s remarks followed a post by U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink on X, expressing horror over the missile strike near a playground and restaurant. In his evening address, Zelensky emphasized, “It is both incorrect and perilous to remain silent about the fact that it is Russia perpetrating these crimes against children with ballistic missiles. This only emboldens the perpetrators in Moscow to continue their aggression and disregard diplomatic solutions.”
The president, who hails from Kryvyi Rig, where the pre-war population was approximately 600,000, conveyed his condolences and called for a three-day mourning period on April 7, 8, and 9.
“This is nothing short of a mass murder of civilians,” stated Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rig military administration.
Images shared by rescue services depicted several victims, with one body found near a playground swing. In response, Russia’s defense ministry claimed it executed a “precision strike” against a meeting of military commanders and Western instructors in the area. The Ukrainian army’s General Staff countered that Moscow was attempting to obscure its heinous actions and disseminating false information, labeling Russia’s actions as “war crimes.”
While Trump continues to encourage both sides to pursue a ceasefire, his administration has struggled to mediate a mutually acceptable agreement. Zelensky remarked that the missile attack underscored Russia’s lack of interest in halting its full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian president reported “significant progress” following discussions with British and French military leaders in Kyiv on Friday. They explored plans for a “reassurance” force from London and Paris to be deployed to Ukraine if a resolution to the conflict is achieved.
Zelensky shared on social media that the meeting with British Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin and French counterpart Thierry Burkhard yielded “the initial details on how the security contingent of partners can be deployed.” This initiative represents one of the latest efforts by European leaders to coordinate a response after Trump initiated direct negotiations with the Kremlin, sidelining them.