The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the rising concerns over excessive tax deductions from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as multiple and unclear bank charges imposed on customers by commercial banks.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu from Rivers State, was inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas.
In recent months, Nigerians have increasingly voiced frustration over unexplained and overlapping deductions from their salaries and bank accounts. Civil and public servants have complained that several layers of taxes, levies, and bank fees are reducing their already strained incomes.
Many workers also allege that some deductions, such as pension and housing contributions, are not properly remitted, leaving them uncertain about their financial security.
At the same time, commercial banks have come under scrutiny for imposing multiple service charges, including stamp duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), card maintenance fees, and transfer fees — sometimes applied together on a single transaction.
In response to the public outcry, the House established the Nwogu-led committee to examine the legality and transparency of these deductions. The committee is expected to summon the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and commercial banks.
Speaking during the inauguration, Nwogu said the probe was necessary to address widespread complaints from Nigerians who have suffered unexplained financial losses.
“It is with great honour and a profound sense of duty that I stand before you today as Chairman of this ad-hoc Committee,” he said. “We are responding to citizens’ concerns to ensure that financial practices in both the public and private sectors align with the principles of justice and equity.”
He stated that the committee will investigate the nature, legality, and application of taxes, levies, and charges affecting workers, and will also look into potential cases of non-remittance of funds. The committee will further review bank fees and the VAT added to them, with the aim of ensuring transparency.
“We aim to identify irregularities, recommend reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians,” Nwogu added.
“Our mission is to ensure fairness, and we are prepared to make far-reaching recommendations, not minding whose ox is gored.”
Earlier, the Speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Bello Kumo, reaffirmed the resolve of the 10th National Assembly to protect Nigerians from exploitative financial practices.
He said the formation of the committee shows the legislature’s commitment to addressing the concerns of citizens who continue to face arbitrary deductions.
“Public servants who work tirelessly for our nation should not bear the burden of unjust financial practices that reduce their hard-earned income,” Abbas said.
