…plans symposium to develop position paper for the Akwa Ibom State Caucus in National Assembly
In a bold move to ensure that the voices of Akwa Ibom corporate community, professionals and stakeholders are heard, the group known as Akwa Ibom State Core Professionals (AKSCP) has inaugurated a special committee to review the Nigerian Tax Reform Bill 2024. This committee, chaired by Hon Nkereuwen James, will scrutinize the bill’s impact on economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development in the state.
The AKSCP, a sociopolitical organization committed to supporting good governance in Akwa Ibom, has taken a proactive stance in shaping the future of taxation in Nigeria. With the inauguration of this special committee, the organization aims to develop a comprehensive position paper that represents the views of Akwa Ibom Core Professionals and the corporate community in the state.
The Nigerian Tax Reform Bill 2024, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, seeks to overhaul tax administration and revenue generation in Nigeria. The bill has attracted both criticism and commendation from various quarters, with some arguing that it will promote fiscal federalism and others expressing concerns about its potential impact on certain regions.
The special committee inaugurated by AKSCP comprises the following members:
– Hon Nkereuwen James – Chairman
– Barr Diamond Akpanika – Secretary
– Barr Peter Ekpo – Member
– Obongunwana (Engr) Unwana Ibokette – Member
– Hon Michael Ekpo – Member
– Mr Johnie Ndukeobong – Member
– Engr John Asanga – Member
– Hon Emmanuel Ebe – Member
– Sir Luke Udom PhD – Member
In his opening remarks, the State Coordinator of AKSCP, Mr McDonald Awakessien, noted that the organization came into existence in 2018 as a sociopolitical organization committed to supporting the continuity of good governance in Akwa Ibom. He emphasized that the group has always supported good governance while advocating on issues related to the state.
“The purpose of the committee is to review the contents of the tax bills, as related to the members of the society and to the state. As a group, we have taken the lead in the advocacy, as it relates to the state,” Awakessien said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Committee Chairman, Hon Nkereuwem James, expressed his honor and pledged the readiness of the special committee to make an impact and make the entire organization and the state proud.
“We will scrutinize the bill to assess its impact on economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development in the state. We will also make recommendations for government and the National Assembly,” James said.
James announced plans by AKSCP to host a symposium on the bill for the Akwa Ibom State Caucus in the National Assembly. He noted that the symposium will further examine the bill and its implications for the state, provide a platform for AKSCP to share their expertise and perspective on the bill, and develop a comprehensive position paper on the bill to represent the views of Akwa Ibom Core Professionals and the corporate community in the state.
The symposium will feature a keynote address, panel discussions, expert analysis, and plenary sessions. James urged members of the committee to put all hands on deck to ensure they deliver the task handed over to them within the given time.
James extended the commendation of Senator Ekong Sampson, senator representing Eket senatorial district and Chairman Akwa Ibom State caucus in the national Assembly, to the group.
In his remarks, AKSCP Secretary, Hon Michael Ekpo, noted that those whose businesses directly and indirectly impact the economy of the state should be part of the symposium to ensure that everyone is heard on matters related to the bill.
Similarly, a scholar and member of the committee, Sir Luke Udom PhD, commended the organization and passed a vote of confidence on the newly inaugurated committee.
“Politics involves responding to issues related to the state, and taking up the concerns of the new bill is a right step at the right time,” Dr Udom said.
The Secretary of the committee, Barr Diamond Akpanika, said the committee will review the Value Added Tax (VAT), regional concerns, and impact on Akwa Ibom, as well as bottlenecks that may impede the implementation and benefits of the bill.
“As an individual, I believe the bill will add towards decentralized fiscal responsibility and empower individual states,” Akpanika said.
In a closing remark, Ace businessman and Treasurer of AKSCP, Obongunwana (Engr) Unwana Ibokette, commended the Chairman of the inaugurated Committee and stated his belief that the position paper should meet implementation to represent the heartbeat of the business and economic communities.
