Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, alleging that only Lagos and Rivers states stand to benefit significantly. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum explained that his position is based on research and calculations conducted by northern governors.
He stated that the northern governors had advised President Tinubu to delay the implementation of the controversial bills to allow for further consultations and amendments. “On this tax issue, there are a lot of misconceptions. Based on the calculations that we did, only Lagos and Rivers States will benefit from this scheme,” Zulum said. He emphasized the need for a pause to expunge clauses that he described as harmful to the interests of Northern Nigeria.
The governor also warned that if the bills eventually passed into law, most states would lose out financially, with Lagos emerging as the primary beneficiary. He underscored the importance of deeper consultations to understand the full implications of the proposed tax regime before pushing it forward.
Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills
The tax reform bills, submitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu in October, include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.583); the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.584); the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 (SB.585); and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 (SB.586). By November 28, these bills had already passed a second reading in the Senate.
Zulum clarified that the northern governors’ reservations should not be misconstrued as opposition to President Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and recalled his advocacy for power rotation to the South ahead of the 2023 elections.
“I was one of the first governors to publicly declare that power must shift to the South,” Zulum said. “Over 60 percent of President Tinubu’s votes in the 2023 general elections came from the North.”
He Also lamented the negative narrative suggesting that the northern region is against Tinubu’s government, describing it as baseless. The governor reiterated that the northern governors’ request for more consultation reflects democratic principles, not antagonism.
Furthermore, Zulum’s appeal highlights a growing concern over the equitable distribution of tax revenues and the need for policies that balance regional interests within Nigeria’s federal structure.
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