Why Northern Govs are opposed to Tinubu’s tax reform bills – Zulum

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has shed light on the reasons behind the northern governors’ advice to President Bola Tinubu to suspend the contentious tax reform bills.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum emphasized that the Northern Governors’ Forum is merely seeking time for consultation.

“We felt that the VAT provision in the tax law would only benefit Lagos and Rivers States,” Zulum explained.

“We did our own research and concluded that we would lose. Why are we in a rush? We advised the Federal Government to take a pause and expunge some of the clauses that are inimical to Northern Nigeria.”

Zulum’s concerns are rooted in the potential consequences of the bill, which he believes would shortchange states, with only Lagos State benefiting from the policy. This sentiment is shared by other governors, who have called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for more consultation.

READ ALSO: NANS to Tinubu: Seek solutions beyond party lines to address economic crisis

The tax reform bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, have been a subject of controversy in recent weeks. While some argue that the bills are necessary to boost revenue, others claim that they would disproportionately benefit Lagos State.

Zulum’s stance on the matter is not driven by opposition to President Tinubu’s administration, but rather a desire to protect the interests of Northern Nigeria. As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Zulum had backed Tinubu’s presidential ambition and had advocated for power rotation to the south.

“I am a strong member of APC,” Zulum said. “If you can count two governors who have been in support of Tinubu from 2019 to 2023, you can mention Governor Zulum. I was the first governor to come out publicly and say that power must go to the South.”

The governor’s comments come as the tax reform bills are set to undergo public hearings.

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