The House Committee on Constitution Review formally received a detailed memorandum on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This memorandum proposes a comprehensive bill designed to clearly define and specify which taxes, levies, and commissions each tier of government—the federal, state, and local authorities—is constitutionally empowered to collect. This is a decisive step aimed at clearing up widespread confusion and significantly improving Nigeria’s fragmented and often contested tax system.
The memorandum, submitted at Center B of the Northwest zonal public in Sokoto on July 26, 2025 by Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale, the Chairman of the SokotoDNA Heritage Development Initiative. The document calls for key amendments to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), with a specific recommendation to transfer matters related to taxation into the Concurrent Legislative List.
Kakale observed that the strategic shift will legally assign taxing powers with precise clarity to the respective levels of government, effectively eliminating the overlapping authorities and jurisdictional disputes that have long plagued Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
This legislative initiative directly confronts a persistent and deeply rooted problem in Nigeria’s fiscal federalism—a problem marked by unclear, conflicting tax jurisdictions that have historically caused intergovernmental conflicts, significant revenue leakages, and administrative inefficiencies within the tax collection system. By establishing clearly articulated boundaries and responsibilities for tax collection at each level of government, the proposed bill is designed to streamline the process of tax administration, boost overall government revenue, and enhance transparency and accountability across all taxing entities.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the committee chairman, Sada Soli Jibia reaffirmed the House’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review.
“We are here to listen to the people. Every suggestion and submission will be compiled and presented at the national level for consideration. The goal is to ensure the Constitution reflects the realities and aspirations of all Nigerians,” he stated.
THESTORIES reports that as the proposed memorandum advances through various stages of legislative scrutiny and debate, it is expected to attract broad and active engagement from a wide range of stakeholders. These include government agencies responsible for finance and taxation, taxpayers who bear the burden of these levies, investors seeking a predictable business environment, and civil society organizations advocating for good governance and fiscal justice. The collaborative input from these groups will be invaluable in shaping the legislation into a robust, effective, and sustainable reform package.
If enacted, the changes set out in the memorandum could mark a transformative turning point for Nigeria’s governance and public finance system. More importantly, it would decisively reinforce the foundations of Nigeria’s federal system by clarifying and rationalizing how tax revenues are collected and distributed, thereby reducing conflict and fostering cooperation among the different tiers of government.
The House Committee on Constitution Review remains a vital driving force behind these critical reforms. It continues to play a central role in shaping amendments and policies that are necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, ensure constitutional compliance, and promote effective and transparent governance for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The Sokoto session was one of several zonal public hearings held simultaneously across the country, as part of the National Assembly’s ongoing process to amend the 1999 Constitution. The sessions are being coordinated by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review.
