Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned the proposed tax reform bills, saying it would solely benefit Lagos State, leaving other regions, particularly the North, at a disadvantage.
Zulum, who made this known on a televised programme, clarified that his opposition on the bills shouldn’t be misinterpreted as hostility toward President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing his support for the president and the significant role the North played in his electoral victory, contributing 60.2% of his votes.
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The Borno State Governor, at a National Economic Council meeting alongside other state governors, expressed the need for further consultations before the bills are adopted, citing potential adverse economic impacts for states outside Lagos. “There are misconceptions about this tax issue. In a democratic setting, consultation is vital,” Zulum said, stressing that the governors are advocating for their right to be consulted. He further noted that if implemented as proposed, only Lagos would reap the benefits, leaving other states, including those in the Southeast and South-South worse off.
Reacting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, faulted Zulum’s position, stating that the governor’s claims regarding the scrapping of key funding bodies were false. On the contrary, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, echoed calls for equity in the reform process, insisting on transparency from the National Assembly regarding the resolutions stemming from the NEC.
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As discontent continues to mount over the tax proposals, the Federal House of Representatives has indefinitely postponed debates on the bills, following widespread opposition from 19 northern state governors, reflecting the growing concern over regional economic disparities. 73 lawmakers from the Northern region opposed the bills, as members of the House found the pace of the proposals troubling, calling for additional consultations.
Also, Arewa Youth Forum has voiced deep concerns over the potential impact of the tax reforms. According to the group’s President-General, Yerima Shtettima, “The North contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP through agriculture and other sectors, but we receive less in terms of public services and development,” expressing fears that expanding tax obligations to the informal sector, which dominates the Northern economy, could lead to widespread economic hardship, especially in rural areas.
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Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups have expressed their opposition to the reforms, warning it could increase regional disparities.
However, Afenifere and Ohaneze Ndigbo have thrown their weights behind the tax reform bills, stressing that if implemented, the changes would offer robust economic growth and opportunities. Other APC lawmakers such as Philip Agbese representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Babajimi Benson representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, are in support of the bills, highlighting the advantages of the bill to include the relieve of tax burden on small businesses.
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