The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad hoc committee to investigate the deduction of taxes and other charges from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as multiple bank charges imposed on customers’ accounts across the country.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee, Mr Kelechi Nwogu, explained that the committee was established in response to mounting concerns from civil servants and ordinary Nigerians over the growing complexities and inconsistencies in tax deductions and banking fees.
Mr Nwogu described the inauguration as a critical step in the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability, noting that the House could no longer ignore the frustrations of citizens who suffer unexplained deductions from their salaries and bank accounts.
“These issues have contributed to confusion and a lack of trust among our populace; as their representatives, it is our responsibility to address these concerns directly and ensure that financial practices promote justice and equity,” he said.
The chairman outlined the committee’s mandate to include investigating the nature and application of taxes, levies, and salary deductions affecting civil and public servants, as well as probing possible cases of non-remittance of deducted funds.
The committee will also examine the range of bank charges, including Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to existing fees, with the aim of ensuring transparency and fairness.
“We aim to identify any irregularities, recommend essential reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians,” the lawmaker said.
“We will evaluate the impact of these deductions and charges to ensure they are just and transparent. As we progress, we are prepared to make far-reaching and decisive recommendations, not minding whose ox is gored, and will not hesitate to utilise the full authority of the Legislature when necessary,” he added.
Mr Nwogu called for full cooperation and participation from all stakeholders, including government agencies, banks, regulatory bodies, and civil society organisations.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, reiterated the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s financial system, particularly as it concerns tax deductions and multiple bank charges burdening citizens.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Mallam Usman Bello Kumo, said the establishment of the committee reflected the legislature’s responsiveness to the cries of Nigerians who have continued to experience arbitrary deductions from their salaries and accounts, both by government agencies and financial institutions.
“It is a privilege to stand before you today to inaugurate the House Ad-hoc Committee dedicated to investigating tax deductions and various charges affecting the earnings of our civil and public servants, as well as the excessive bank fees impacting everyday Nigerians,” he said.
He stressed that the House owed it to the people to ensure financial justice, especially for civil and public servants whose incomes are already overstretched.
The Speaker also decried the growing problem of multiple and unclear bank charges, noting that such practices undermine public confidence and worsen the economic hardship faced by citizens.
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