The much-anticipated State of the Nation Address for 2022 was held in parliament on 30th March 2022, where the president touched on major issues affecting the country in his address. Prior to the reading of the SONA, the Finance Minister had secured parliamentary approval for the implementation of the controversial E-levy tax measure.
The E-levy has been on top of discussions hovering on the polarization between majority and minority in parliament regarding its adoption. The controversy culminated in parliament where the minority staged a walk out from the house, intending to dissociate itself from the approval. However, their absence did not affect the approval process as the Speaker of Parliament rendered the walkout unsubstantial to prevent the passing of the E-levy.
As part of the build ups to the reading of the SONA for 2022, many expected the president to talk about the E-levy since it formed part of the critical concerns, especially when revenue mobilization remains the focus in tackling the current economic challenges.
The president was positive about the prospect of the E-levy as he stated below;
“Mr. Speaker, despite the protracted and sometimes acrimonious nature of proceedings, I am happy that the House has, finally, found it possible to pass the E-levy Bill. I believe the levy is going to make a significant contribution to revenue mobilisation and the management of the national economy, and I want to thank Members of the House for making this possible.”
